EMPIRE TRADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 243, 14 October 1929, Page 8

EMPIRE TRADE.

NO NEED FOR PESSIMISM. FOREIGN COMPETITION. , REVIEW BY COMMISSIONER. "People with capital have confidence in the future of British industry, and we feel there is no need for pessimism. We know we are on a 'sticky wicket,' but we know that with the combination of the good sense of our business people and work people, we will pull through." This remark was made by Mr. L. A. Paish, British Trade Commissioner, in an address on Imperial trade relations delivered to this morning's conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Paish reviewed interEmpire trade relations and competition from other countries, and made an appeal for greater purchasing of British goods in the Dominion, pointing out that the security of the Empire was dependent upon Empire trade. "The time lias now come when wo should have ail Imperial development body, composed of representatives of nations forming the commonwealth of the British Empire, to periodically visit different parts of the Empire and ascertain their requirements. We would then be in a position to formulate a common Empire policy, and make the Empire stronger than it is at present," he said. Closer Contact With Traders. A desire to come in closer contact with individual traders was expressed by Mr. Paish. By those means, he believed, he could better arrive at an understanding of the problems of business men in New Zealand, and thereby be able to assist the trade not only of his own country, but of the Dominion. "I was rather surprised when I came to New Zealand that there was some misconception of what is happening at Home," he added. "We are a rather curious people, of course, and while we have founded the greatest Empire the world has known, hitherto we have not talked much about it. In the past few years there has been a remarkable change in the Old Country. I would hesitate to say to what it is due, but one of the contributory causes is the Empire Marketing Board. Another thing is the greatly increased tariff values. It is also becoming more and more realised that the safety of the Empire relies on the development of trade within the Empire. The idea of Empire free trade has gained currency, and, while it may be but a dream, it has to be remembered that the dreams of our forefathers are the living realities of to-day. At the moment free trade looks an almost inconceivable ideal, but it has made people at Home think more and more Imperially."

"Not Fading Away." It was a. significant fact, continued Mr. Paish, that Britain had to face increasing competition from foreign countries, America, Germany, Fiance and Japan, and unless she saw some security for her trade it was difficult to see how the present standard of living was to be maintained. It was stated that America had obtained her prosperity as a result of free trade between a groun of States allied with free trade within a high tariff wall. It was urged that the British should adopt a similar policy, and the problem of meeting foreign competition had to be solved one way or other. The value of the Empire was coming home not only to business men, but to the workmen themselves. Britain was the greatest importing and manufacturing nation in the world, and roughly speaking imported something like £100,000,000 of raw materials and foodstuffs annually. Her exports, visible and invisible, exceeded imports by £130,000,000. This figure would demonstrate that the Old Country was not "fading away." Exports and Imports. A few striking facts about American trade were quoted by Mr. Paish, who did not think the United States realised the fact that a nation could not export unless it also imported. America was buying only £4,000,000 of produce from New Zealand and sending it goods to the value of double that amount, whereas the United Kingdom imported £40,000,000 worth of produce from the Dominion and was sending it £21,000,000. Mr. Paish assured his hearers that Great Britain was giving closer attention to the manufacture of cars for the overseas markets, although the motor manufacturing industry wa6 comparatively new to her. Attention was being given complaints concerning the clearance of English cars, the lack of power, track, and high prices. It was nonsense, however, to say that the clearance was too little, as in the majority of cases it was better than that on American cars. The great bulk of the machines had standard tracks. The price of the British product was the stumbling-block, but the prices were coming down and the power going up. The models would be altered from time to time till they did meet all requirements. There was every hope of satisfaction being given everyone with England holding the speed records on land, air and sea, and possessing the best mechanics and designers.