TRADE CONFERENCES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 November 1924, Page 15

TRADE CONFERENCES.

VERY USEFUL DISCUSSIONS. VALUE OF PERSONAL CONTACT. LONDON, Nov. 18. Now that the trade conferences at the British Empire Exhibition are in progress, those taking part realise what a waste of time there has been in not beginning them a week or two after the Exhibition opened. As it is, the Dominion delegates and the representatives o£>the various trade sections are finding three days a week of conference, in addition to their regular work, somewhat trying. But the results are such that Mr. A. F. Roberts (the New Zealand Exhibition Commissioner), the originator of the movement, must feel very gratified that he pushed the matter vigorously and persistently. Many of those' attending the meetings came as doubters. All of them go away converted to the opinion that this personal contact betweeii trade representatives from all parts of the Empire is the best way to foster Imperial trade.

No newspaper representatives attend the meetings. As a matter of fact, the meetings are quite informal. Those who come together form little circles around the different Dominion and colonial representatives, and the latter impart information they can regarding the markets in their respective parts of the Empire in relation to the particular trade or manufacture under discussion.

According to Mr. Roberts, there is a very friendly spirit displayed, and heart-to-heart talks take place on the various difficulties that arise in the different trades. Many of these are cleared up by the colonial representatives, and these latter obtain a lot of information which should be of great use to the traders and producers in their own country. “Great appreciation,” said Mr. Roberts, “is geenrally expressed of the preferential treatment given to the British manufacturers by the Dominions. In fact, many interesting discussions have taken place regarding Oustoms tariffs, and noints have been raised that will be placed before the colonial Customs authorities for investigation.”

Glass manufacturers met the colonial representatives last week, and one of the points brought up was the Belgian competition in the trade. It was explained that Belgian manufacturers worked seven days a week, never allowing their furnaces to cool, and thus effected a considerable saving in the cost of production' Thus they were able to compete against the British manufacturers in the colonies, in spite of the preferential tariff which the latter obtained. Asked whether they y'ould like a greater preference, the British manufacturers said “No,” they were very well content with the’benefit they received from the “Depreciated Currency Duty.” * Another question that has been dismissed is the desirableness of the British manufacturers adopting some- means of retaining the identification of their goods. One of the difficulties in the way of this is the disfigurement of small goods which would be caused. However, the matter will not be dropped» Members of the British Engineering and Allied Manufacturers’ Association suggested that there should be an Empire - trade mark. If this could he arranged, they &aid, they would be willing to help in propaganda amongst their workpeople, and Encourage them to ask for Empire goods. Mr. Roberts raised the- question of portions of colonial engineering contracts accepted by British firms’ being sub-let to foreign firms. It was su §S es ted that if the colonies desired thafk. only British workmen should be employed in carrying out their contracts a clause to that effect should be introduced into the contract. A meeting with the motor manufacturers will be held next week, and it is- anticipated that the Dominion representatives will have some valuable instruction to give if the manufacturers are desirous of maintaining the marKets overseas in the face of American competition.

Mr. H. A. Beauchamp, addressing the conference of the Incorporated Municipal Electrical Association at Wembley, expressed the opinion that the losses due to disappointing attendapce at the British Empire Exhibition will be more apparent than real. If sightseers came in overwhelming numbers, Air. Beauchamp said, they* would binder business transactions, and so, if a little had been lost in the gate money, it had probably been gained in the business-getting. Mi- Beauchamp was confident that the electrical section at Wembley had been a success, and if the work were adequately followed up in the different districts it would give a considerable impetus to the industry. The old British argument that when .you were busy you did not need to advertise and that when you were slack >ou could not afford to, was givintr Diace to the view that it was the duty of anyone running a public service to advertise m order that every member of the public should know all about it.