TRADE IN FOREIGN GOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 34, 9 August 1933, Page 6

TRADE IN FOREIGN GOODS

(Several correspondents comment further upon the question of trade in foreign jjoods. "True Blue Britisher" appeals to the women who do most of the shopping to make "patriotism" their motto. "Don't let England down, but buy her goods. She is our best friend. Only while Bhe is safe shall we be safe. I know people are having a hard time to make ends meet, but the difference in the price of British and foreign goods is made up to us in the quality and wear. We are all patriotic in war-time. Let us be the same in peacetime." ■ , 1 Replying to "J3. Sane," "Fairplay" writes:—"As trading conditions are at present, everything is in favour of Japan. Any British goods selling in Japan have to be sold at a higher price than the Japanese article. Yet I am told that some articles sell, I wonder why. The same conditions would still prevail even if my suggestion was adopted, only the price of Japanese goods would "be raised to within a fraction of the British price, but still the difference would.be in favour of Japan, and she would be entitled to call our protection by whatever name she thought fit. I think the Japanese would understand the problem from our point of view as well as from their own. "B. Sane" is anxious to point out that the; raising of prices on foreign goods would be at the expense of the consumers. Granted it would, but all our awards are built, on £he same principle, and yet we brag about them." ' It is submitted by "Tane" that the real problem, is not,the difference between the Japanese producer and the New Zealand or British consomer, but; the profit that is made oh the, trade in. cheap goods. The middlemen • show "iio concern -■ about low wages in Japan or the reduced purchasing power of .local"consumers. When goods can be purchased at low prices the consumer is not .given the full benefit, and it is this injury- to .the workers that is causing the rising fear of Japan. An Australian and New Zealand firm of merchants forwards the following resolution passed by the Japanese Federation o£ Associations for Liberty o£ Trading: "■. > ■ ;■.■ ' ' >; "With great regret we learn that the Commonwealth Government of Australia is contemplating, possibly, under pressure of certain British industries, to restrict the importation of Japanese goods by further raising the tariff barriers against them. In the event' of any steps being taken in this direction by Australia, "we gravely fear that a deplorable position may be created, being mindful of recent estrangement in trade relations between Japan and India. We feel confident, however, that the Commonwealth Government and the general consuming public, not to speak; of the primary industries of Australia, will refuse to be misled by,various tin just statements made intentionally or otherwise against Japan, and also, folly realising the importance of trade.with Japan, who is one of the-most important customers for Australian > wool and other produce, will exercise their sound and fair judgment hot only for the mutual benefit of both countries^.but for the general welfare of the world."