BRITISH TRADE IN N.Z.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 4

BRITISH TRADE IN N.Z.

SOME STRAIGHT TALK. NOT THE MODEL MARKET. ''The "British Export Gazette," commenting on the official records of the trade of New Zealand during 1926, says: "The market is as promising as any within the Empire, but we would repeat that the need for casting overboard the parrot-cry that all is well with British trade in N T ew Zealand is urgent. Possibly it may be held in some quarters that we over-estimate the extent and prospects of foreign competition. This we do not admit, but it is manifestly better that even that should bo done if it will bring about an abrupt awakening from the false sense of security which has arisen through the long success of British floods in the country. ''Too often it is held that commercial patriotism is more apparent in New Z3aland than in any other part of the Empire, and certainly far more is heard of foreiyn competition in South Africa, to take one instance, than in the Dominion under review. Yet during the first six months of 1926 50 per cent of South Africa's imports originated in Great Britain, while the corresponding figure for New Zealand was only 46 per cent. Obviously, therefore, New Zealand's reputation as the model Empire market is in need of refurbishing., and there must be a plain acknowledgment of the fact that move effort is needed by British manufacturers and shippers and importers in the Dominion itself if further losses to British trade are to be avoided. With the buying policy of the Government and of the various municipalities little fault can be found. Wherever at all possible contracts are placed with the United Kingdom, but it is undoubtedly time that New Zealand as a whole should realise the facts we have brought forward above At bottom the Imperial spirit is sound, but it must be stimulated to m-u vent iurther losses.