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Hokitika Guardian, 6 June 1930, Page 4

The loss to New Zealand and Empire trade from the mere thoughtfulness of buyers was pointed out by Mr L. A. Paish, British Trade Commissioner, at a meeting of business men at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was convened to consider the formation of an association for the promotion of Empire trade. Mr Paish gave as an example of his statement the purchase- of foreign hats to the ' amount of £53,000 annually, when nats of the same quality were obtained within the Empire. He asked why New Zealand cheese, 99 per cent.- of which was bought by Britain, should be shipped to England, wrapped in American cheesecloth costing £12,000 annually. In the same manner New Zealand butter reached the Home markets wrapped in Belgian parchment wrapping, while coverings for both butter and cheese could lie obtained from Britain at competitive, prices, Some years ago, continued Mr Paish, no satisfactory tvoewriter was produced in Britain, but now there are three good machines at least equal to those produced in America. He appealed to businessmen, when office reorganisation was necessary, to consider British machines A great deal had been said on behalf of the distributors of British cars, he added, but when he entered their offices he found themusing American typewriters for their correspondence. Endorsement of Mr Daish’s statement- was made by Mr H. M. Croft, Canadian Trace Commissioner, who added that lie would supnort n.ny movement- fjor furthering trade between one part of the Empire and another. Mr G. O. Button, secretary of the British (IJ.K.) Manufacturers’ Association of New Zealand, Mr W. E. Duncan, member of the business men’s committee of the Overseas League, and Mr W. A. Donald spoke in favour of the formation of an association, which was agreed to.