GREAT BRITAIN’S MARKETS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22195, 11 September 1937, Page 20

GREAT BRITAIN’S MARKETS

TO THIS EDITOR OT THX PRESS. Sir,—At this season of the year politicians and tourists are returning from their tours- and nearly. -aE .at them give their views regarding marketing requirements in Great Britain. Government officials have been entertained by the various outport authorities and have been informed that they, can sell much more produce if goods are sent direct to their ports. However, London still keeps its stronghold on imports because it is, in the long run, the most profitable market for Australian and New Zealand produce. Some reasons for this are the, vast immediate population served by the port, and that marketing, financing,'and distribution can be more easily and regularly effected through London than elsewhere. For the reasons mentioned, and also because London is in closer contact with world' influences, buyers for multiple store proprietors, and large consumers throughout Britain almost invariably operate from London. _ . ■■ •'••; ~. Empire trades so far have tended to consolidate in London also, because of the capital's unmatched handling, storing and distributing resources. This market by itc mere size provides a guarantee against the surfeits so damaging to vendors of perishable goods, and is a protection against rings and corners. And there is another advantage to sellers in a sole market. They can exact the best from it by judicious supply, whereas alternative markets sometimes scale each other down. Net proceeds are what -the shipper scrutinises; and that being so, he scarcely needs reminding that over any Jieriod of steady selling, the best return s in London. That is the inducement which has stimulated certain trading organisations founded outside the capital to move, and that is why consignments to provincial ports often undergo a secondary voyage into London river. Again, Port of London Authority does not work for dividends; all profits go into reduction of rates, or improvements. Three times since 1928 charges have been reduced, up to £1,000,000 sterling a year in the interests of .producers. It is truly cooperative—the larger the business the lower become the rates. Naturally the outports desire to extend their business, and so they should. Goods of the right quality should be sent to their ports, if already purchased, and the more direct shipments they get the better for all concerned, but business acumen should be used. —Yours, etc., A. W. PEARSE, Sydney, September 3, 1937.

out the pale of good-mannered criticism.