BRITAIN’S BURDEN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 June 1924, Page 7

BRITAIN’S BURDEN.

SETTLEMENT OF POST-WAR PROBLEMS. COMPLEX AND EXTRAORDINARY POSITION. ‘‘England s position among European nations has continued since 1918 most complex and extraordinary. It- is a iairly general belief that- the great world problems are largely in the hands ot the English-speaking races, and the iact remains that the Motherland has and is lacing problems that require sacrifice an-cl. courage to do her share towards settling them in the interest of humanity. ’ These views were expressed by Mr C. H. Scott, president of the New Zealand Association oi British Manufacturers and . Agents, at tiie annual meeting on Monday (reports the Dominion.^ hive and a half years, said Mr Scott, had passed since the signing of the armistice, and many people expressed surprise and disappointment that Elngland had not recovered a greater measure of her pre-war position at home arm abroad. Such a view-point was the outcome chiefly of a Jack of knowledge regarding the gigantic, task that England has iaced since 1918. It must not be overlooked that England’s efforts in this direction necessitated — because of her position and standing among the world Powers, and because of the 1 world-wide influence of her finance and commerce—chat she should take a very important- part in assisting to settle some of the post-war problems ot nations which were competitors in trade and commerce. Piride took the place of the spirit ot criticism, continued the speaker, when the.tacts of. England's position among the nations was clearly Understood. National vision in Europe was still focussed on the dark days and years behind. It was, however, quite clear that even though European countries were unsettled in regard to international matters, internal reconstruction was going on apace. Two of these countries were making no effort to repay their debts to England. Two countries had raised prohibitive tariff barriers against English, products. Most of them had certain advantages in regard to their depreciated currencies when selling in competition with English manufacturers. England’s national debt on March 31 was £7,680,484,000, and her annual interest bill was approximately £307,250,000, which did not include sinking iund. Whilst "piling up this tremendous national liability, England had honoured every obligation undertaken in connection with her war efforts. It- might not he generally understood. proceeded Mr Scott', but these matters ail had a very direct bearing on the prices the Dominions received tor primary products. The burdens which England was carrying reduced the buying power of her population. )\ e were, therefore, vitally interested in lit gland’s recovery in both trade and finance. Every Britisher must feel pride in wlfat England had accomplished. “\Ve marvel,” lie said, “that England, with such burdens, can still have a surplus of cash to lend to this and other Dominions. Have we ever stopped to consider the effect if such borrowing ware reduced or became imFor the most selfish motives it- behoves us to solidly support industrial England in our purchases if wo are to count for anything in the relief of lier burdens, and thus enable us to continue leaning on England .to flnance us.” As as New Zealand was concerned, France’s depreciated cunrency quite nullified any preference to England when computing against French products. The fact that 29 per cent, of the total imports of motor tires for the year 1922 were of French origin spoke ion- itself. This was only one of many items. “The British Empire,” concluded Air Scott, “is the saving fact in a distracted world. It is the most hopeful experiment in human organisation that the \yorld has yet seen. The Empire is based not on force, but on good-will and understanding. Liberty is its binding principle. In all the marvellous achievements of our people which this gathering reflects, I am most deeply impressed with the.-blend-ing of East, and West. Our duty here is to present the ideals of this great association of peoples in willing loyalty to our Sovereign, to take counsel together regarding the progress and welfare of all. and to keep our strength, both moral and material, • a united power far justice, liberty and peace.’’