BRITAIN’S PROBLEM

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 February 1927, Page 5

BRITAIN’S PROBLEM

DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIES. MEETING FOREIGN COMPETITION BV .'A Kl.m FRKSf* /IMHOPHTIGN POMYRIRHI LONDON, Feb. 21. The Prince of Wales was the principal! guest at the British Industries Fair banquet at the Mansion House when, in a speech, he emphasised that the manufacturers and- traders to-day were in more cheerful spirits than in 1926, when a cloud was on the horizon which eventually burst. Nevertheless the .severe loss in export trade was borne ’without serious consequences, proving the strength and stability of our commercial and financial character.

“I am glad to see,” said the Prince, “a; tendency in our industrialists to inspect foreign method®, from which much might be learned, even if many of their ways are impracticable. My travels produced one or two industrial impressions which might he useful in the solution of Great Britain’s greatindustrial 'problem.” First, concentration of units assisted in lowering of the cost of production. Modern conditions .necessitated a. closer federation of industries for the purpose of exploring and expanding mutual interests, enabling the best ,brains to be used in the common interest and giving voung men greater opportunities. Secondly, standardisation was essential, although often involving the sinking of personal 1 pride, bound up with tradition and individual caprice.. Moreover, Britain must not' lose sight. of the importance of maintaining a high standard of living. Britain must adapt, improve, and be ready when the common good demanded the modification of traditional conservatism .and cherished procedure where necessary, whether it lie the privileges of the employers or the practice of the workers.

The Prince emphasised the importance of salesmanship, which really was a. science for w'hi'ii some day a; school might be established. He recalled receiving a letter from Argentina, pointing out that a. man went to an nproun4ry store to buy a tin of paint. Ho refused British paint- because the directions ..were printed only in English and bought the German, on which the directions wore printed in Spanish. He added it was good) that Britishers should think how strongly in both the Motherland and the Dominions the tide was flowing in. favour of buying, wherever possible, British goods. Undoubtedly the habit of thinking in Empire' products was growing. Ho hoped visitors would especially note (ho Alarketing Board’s exhibit, which -was representative of Empire foodmil’s.