BRITISH GOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 37, 12 February 1926, Page 10

BRITISH GOODS

REVIEW OF PAST YEAR

N.I. ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS & AGENTS

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual general meeting" of the New Zealand Association of British Manufacturers and Agents was held last evening.

Mr. G. H: Scott (president) occupied the-chair,'and'there was a 1 fairly good attendance of members, representative of the various sections of British trade. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr. Scott stated, and h's view was confirmed by other members, that the activities of the association, during tho past six months particularly, gave cause for optimism with regard to its future. Mr. Scott touched on various matters mentioned in the report and other topics of interest to British manufacturers and their representatives. Mr. L. Asheroft Edwards referred to the faet^that th# word "British" has now become too embracing, and that as applied to manufacturers it does not necessarily indicate the product" of the United Kingdom. Mr. Edwards expressed the hope that when Mr. Scott returned from his visit to the Old, Country he will find that the work which the new council has done will not disappoint him. BUSINESS SATISFACTORY. The report stated: Generally speaking the reports from the sections show that the volume of business during the past year has been quite satisfactory, and in many instances shows a considerable increase on previous figures. The outstanding feature of last year's trading was the increase of business being done with European firms in the soft goods section. The business of all sections in the last half of the year /was seriously disturbed by the shipping strike, wtiijh delayed and disorganised importations; and also by the unsatisfactory state of the wool market. Hardware.—The reports from this section are quite satisfactory, and it is pleasing to note that European competitors in hollow -ware, both aluminium and enamel, have not been able to meet the competition of British manufacturers, who for the time being are supplying practically all the demand on this market. ' Fancy Goods.—British manufacturers are holding their own in regard to 1 standard lines, of fancy; goods, but in regard to novelties and toys they are somewhat outclassed by the European manufacturers. There is a constant stream of samples, from Europe in the way of new designs for small novelties. It is regrettable that the British' manufacturer is not giving this branch, of the business any serious attention, and;is allowing; the market to be catered for: by the European manufacturers. . .

Soft Goods.—The early part of the year was quite satisfactory to this section, bat the latter end of the year has become .one of difficulty. The amount of Continental manufactures coming in >has been on the increase, and an increasing number of retailers are giving the European . manufacturers larger support. It is very regrettable to note that evenw^en such small margins as 5 per cent.' exist between the 1 European and British prices that tradera pass over the British. This position is a more-or less recent development, and is in marked contrast to the position which existed during the war period.

'Machinery and Engineering.—The market has-been very active in these lines; particularly in' the expansion of hydro-electric- schemes of. the Government, and municipalities, it is regrettable to note that in regard to electrical equipment, particularly household equipment, that sufficient attention hit not been paid by distributors in this country to advertising the British ori gin of an electrical equipment and accessories. ; It is to be hoped that not only our members, but all engaged in importing British equipment, and manufactures of any kind will advertise the fact that they are British, and thus make it possible for those of the public who are inquiring for ' British manufactures to be able 7to place thei/ orders. In this section perhaps the outstanding feature has been the large volume of foreign goods purchased by local bodies.

Motor Vehicles.—The position in this section is particularly encouraging to British manufacturers. The sales in Neiw Zealand of British vehicles has risen from 4 per cent, to 18-} per cent, in little over three and a half years. The development has taken place almost entirely in very light vehicles. The demand for a moderate-sized car suitable for farmers, and selling at popular prices, Is hot to any serious degree catered for by British manufacturers. The market is available to the British manufacturers, and it is regrettable 1 that they do not take advantage of the opportunities existing. Perhaps the most difficult competition British manufacturers have to meet is in connection with the importations . from Canada of cars produced by American capital partly manufactured in UJ3.A. and Canada, and shipped .from the latter country under conditions that enable them to use the Empire Preference Certificate, and thns pay the same rate of duty as cars manufactured in the United Kingdom.

N A pleasing feature_of the business is the decided inclination on the part "t all traders to pay more attention to British agencies. The prospects in rtissection are the best that have existed for many years past. : . A resolution wag passed expressing appreciation of Mr. F. Meadowerof t's services as vice-president of the association for several years. COUNCIL. After the report and balance-sheet had been adopted, 1 the conneil for the ensuing year was elected as ui;der:— Electrical and Machinery: Messrs. C. B. Richardson, C. -W. Salmon, and B. J. Dunsheath.' Motors: Messrs. G. 11. Scott, D. F. Bauchop, ■ and L. Ashcroft Edwards: Paper and Printers' Eeqnir3menta:, Messrs. W. E. Jackson and H. J. Tubbs. Drapery and Textiles: Messrs. L. D. Hurst, C. W. Budd, and VT., R. Kirker. -Groceries, Provisions, and Cq^*ectionery:. M<asrs. H. A. Goodwin, Arthur Eigg, and L. H. Wood. F^ncy Goods: Mr. H. S. Hart. Chemicals, Paints, ■ and Oils: Messrs. E. A. Christie and M. Ford. „ Hardware: Messrs. G. A. Keal and R. Johnson. Messrs. Henry Kember and Son were re-elected auditors for the association.