Trade With United Kingdom

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 113, 6 February 1935, Page 11

Trade With United Kingdom

Sir.—l chilli be obliged if you will publish the following extract from a letter just received from a large manufacturing firm in Birmingham and. which is yet another example of the opinion which exists with regard to the difficulties under which United Kingdom manufacturers trade with this country. “As a matter of fact the feeling is very strong in this country that while the British Government gave all the concessions promised immediately after the Ottawa Conference, the other countries have delayed and pared down the concessions to such an extent that they have proved of very little value and this cannot help but have a considerable influence upon future ar- . rangenients “In your circular you refer to the question of a quota being Imposed upon tlie import of New Zealand proiluce into this country. This is a matter which lias been having very serious consideration, and, as a matter of fact, the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has been approached by one of the local firms interested in New Zealand trade pointing out the dangers which exist for New Zealand if such a quota camo into being, and asking for the Birmingham Chamber to give their support against it. "There is no doubt but that the only way to get public opinion in this country strongly in favour of the freest possible Imports of New Zealand good is by New Zealand herself giving more generous treatment to our goods, and we would strongly recommend that every possible means should be taken by vour association to make it - clear to the New Zealand Government that it cannot expect to retain the freedom of tlie English market without making an equivalent return. “It must be remembered that countries like Denmark, who also depend upon this country for the sale of their dairy produce, do make practical efforts to give us a part in their market for our manufactured goods, and we get ‘very definite preferences over any other country. “The alteration of the exchange between New Zealand and this country lias been very detrimental to Great Britain. While automatically making all our goods dearer in New Zealand, it makes all New Zealand goods cheaper in Great Britain, thus undercutting the farmers hero more than economic laws would have permittea. ’Pampering witli exchanges should cease and every Stet) taken should have the Interest of the whole Empire nt heart, instead of each member endeavouring to get an advantage at the expense ‘of another.”-I ; am., «^ TQN . Wellington, February 4.