"GET TOGETHER"

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 23, 28 January 1928, Page 10

"GET TOGETHER"

EMPIRE TRADE ON EVE OF GREAT EXPANSION ROUND THE DOMINIONS Major G. Herbert, M.8.E., known to studens of Empire economic questions as the author of "Trade Afcroad," writ-. ten to promote inter-Empire and overseas trade, is at present visiting Wellington, and to-day gave a "Post" representative an interesting, brief summary of the present economic conditions in various parts of the Empire. Major Herbert has frequently visited the various parts of the Empire, and he is greatly impressed not only with the economic developments which are taking place, but also with the tremendous possibilities of the future, particularly if all get closer together as one economic unit. The inherent qualities of the British race so splendidly manifest throughout the Empire, coupled with the unbounded resources of the Empire, he remarked, could place the. Empire in a sphere of complete economic security and so enhance its prestige and influence that the world could revolve on a foundation of peace, goodwill, progress, and prosperity. Certain parts of the Empire did, however, need greater individual responsibility, if maximum progress was to be obtained. There was a post-war tendency in certain countries in Europe for workers to rely more and more on co-operative thought and action, whether manifested through trades unions, political organisations, or Governments, and such an attitude kept good men back, rendered industry stagnant, and retarded progress. Fortunately, that tendency was not so apparent within the Empire, but there appeared to be a danger of individual apathy in. certain parts of the Empire, and that must be eradicated if full progress wa» to be made. PROSPECTS BRIGHT. In regard to Great Britain, Major Herbert feels that the Old Country is on the cxc of extensive trade expansion, and that there was never a better atmosphere in industry between Capital and Labour than exists at the present time. The British National Debt and taxation are higher per capita than in any country in the world, and yet her exchange stands higher than that of any other country. "The Old Country; can have a general strike, it can quarrel about the Prayer Book," he said, "but the inherent qualities of our race manifest themselves to such an extent that in the end the heart of the country grows stronger. The Old Country still holds the world's records on land, sea, and air, and progress is being maintained, and with the co-operation of the Empire, the future of the British race throughout the world is assured." In regard to the various parts of the Empire, Major Herbert summarises his impressions as follows: — ♦ The Dominion of Canada will show the greatest economic development of any country in the world durfng the next few years. Investments for Canadian development are pouring in from the Old Country and from the United States, but the heart of Canada is intensely pro-British. The possibilities of Australia are enormous, but Major Herbert feels that the policy of high tariffs-tends to shelter- industries to such an extent that both the worker and the capitalist are apt to look to a trades union or a Government to protect them to such an. extent that the efficiency of production, and management is not regarded as a fundamental necessity to sound industrial progress. England built up her industries by meeting foreign competition and beating it, and it is gome of this spirit which seems to be needed to-day. NEW ZEALAND'S POPULATION. In Major Herbert's view, New Zealand is "Home" from "Home." It seems, however, unfortunate that a. country approximately as large as Great Britain and with a better climate should only have a population about onefortieth of that of Great Britain. Major Herbert thinks that a larger proportion could support itself in Now Zealand, and he hopes that more active steps will be taken to promote the settlement of the right type of people ia this wonderful Dominion. With the present small population, there is little justification for firms to open factories in New Zealand, but with a population, growing at a suitable rate, firms would be stronger influenced to participate in this growth by opening branch factories in the Dominion. Major Herbert has also recently visited South Africa. Its fruit industry; is growing rapidly, and there were many; signs of industrial and agricultural progress. The much debated flag question,having been amicably settled, will do much to bring the British and the Dutch closer together, a feature which is so essential in a country with * large black population which is growing much more rapidly than the white population. PROBLEMS IN INDIA. "India," said Major Herbert, "is not ready for self-government; the Indian people must be protected and saved.from themsel/js. Self-govern-ment is ineffective —and will be disastrous—without some form of unity at the base, and unfortunately acute and astounding religious prejudices strike at the root. Industrialisation can form a base upon which to build a new and better civilisation in India, and much has already been done in this connection to provide such standards of life for those engaged in industry that a wider and more practical outlook on life has resulted. Iv this connection, it is not generally realised that a very; largo proportion of the capital "invest* ed in Indian industry is native owned^ and with an extension of industrialisation, higher standards of life can ba provided and a mentality more capabW of justifying self-government. "Kenya Colony and West Africa art very prosperous and are going ahead. These countries are illustrious examples of the wonderful colonisation possible under British administration. Waj ought all to be proud of the types of our people who so wonderfully reflect the British spirit of fair play and sound dtvelopmtVt in the outposts of the Empire." Major Herbert is a director of the well-known English firm of Rowntree and Co., which employs over 7000 operatives at the head works in York. The company executives are firm believers in, and promoters of, trade development, within the Empire. Of their purchases of raw materials, amounting to more than a million sterling per annum, over 90 per cent, are Empire products, and branch factories are now operating ia Canada, South Africa, and Ireland. Major Herbert will leave New Zealand by the Makura on 31st January for tho United States and Canada.