Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1924. TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1179, 29 November 1924, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1924. TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIRE.

It is pleasing to learn that the preference resolutions of last year’s Imperial Cunieronci! are to he carried out by the Baldwin Administration. Mr Amery , the Secretary of State" for the Colonies, in making that announcement at the Empire Producers’ luncheon a day or two ago, pointed out that, 1 ' while the Government’s policy in regard to preference would necessarily be subjected to limitations, and the Government was pledged not to impose new food duties for the sake of preference, it was definitely pledged to carry out the imperial Conference recommendations. While we, in New Zealand, cannot expect to reap any substantial advantage from the modilied form of preference embodied in those recommendations, it is something to know that a step has been taken in the right direction, and one which may help to materially influence trade within the Empire. All things being equal, it should not bo a difficult matter for traders generally to give preference to Empire products and manufactures. But the age is one of competition and, just as the producers of our Dominion naturally look for the best markets for their produce, so our traders in making their purchases abroad go to the markets where they are best served, and. in this respect* there is room for considerable improvement in the ways and output of British manufacturers, against whom both the Americans and the Germans are formi lahle competitors. In the import trade of the Dominion preference should he given as far as possible to British goods, and the Government has carried that principle so far that preference is now accorded, not merely to the traders and manufacturers of the Motherland, but to those of every portion of the British Empire. The difficulties associated with the exchange problem can only be overcome in either one of two ways. We must either return to the gold standard (which for some years io come is out of the question) or substantially increase the amount of our imports so as to bring about a more even balance in trade. It is evident that the more we cultivate inter-Empire trade relationships the stronger our position must become. It is certainly not a good thing that we should he. dealing so extensively with other countries when we might he doing business in the same class of goods or" manufactures with our kinsmen overseas, thus giving employment to, or increasing the employment available for British workers. It is to lie feared, however, that the British manufacturer is not catering for the requirements of the Dominion in the same way that the Americans are doing, and that the Germans are offering to do. The Britisher is inclined to be more conservative in liis actions and methods. The American, on the other hand, makes a point of ascertaining just what his overseas customers require and the conditions under which those requirements have to he filled. Where he. makes machinery or automobiles he takes care to see that spare parts are sent to the dealers so as to be always available. In this way if a stoppage occurs through a sudden breakage it can bo remedied in a short time.' 1

WHAT IS NEEDED. Taken all round, it will probably bo admitted that the British manufacturer is more thorough in bis Work and that the machinery and motors that lie turns out are of the very best quality and workmanship, and consequently more durable. But, in fulfilling orders, he does not as a rule hurry himself, nor does he send out questionaires after the manner of the American manufacturer, who endeavours to ascertain just under what circumstances his machines are to ho used. It would probably be going too far to say that the American is more reliable in his methods, but he can certainly be depended upon to a greater extent to keep within the time limit lor all orders entrusted to him, anil just as certainly lie lays himself out to do business on businesslike lines. There is, we believe, a growing feeling amongst New Zealand traders that British manufacturers by their more dilatory methods in executing orders and by adhering too closely to stereotyped ’ methods, arc less dependable than the Americans, and that probably accounts for tho increasing trade noticeable between the Dominions and the United States of America. The British Trade Commissioner would do well to look into these matters. The British are just as well able to turn out motor ears and machinery as the Americans. The latter, however, possess a great advantage in their mammoth factories and plants, coupled with their enormous output. It would pay the British manufacturer handsomely to study’ their methods of manufacture, and to also make a point of ascertaining and studying the wishes and requirements of their customers overseas. In certain lines of goods and manufactures the British undoubtedly are pre-eminent; in others they are outclassed by the Americans, but not to such an extent that the British cannot overtake them, providing they adopt similar methods to those pursued by their trade competitors. If the Empire is to prosper, inter-Empire trade should be fostered in every’possible way. -Mr Amery’loreshadows the embodiment of the Imperial Conference principle in the policy of the British Government that, wherever or whenever, in safeguarding its own interests, or for the sake of revenue, any Government in the Empire finds itself obliged to impose a duty, it will accord definite preference in favour of the Empire and against the foreigner. We have an illustration of what is meant by this in Mr Ainery’s announcement that, so long as there is a duty of one half-penny per pound on sugar, preference to an equal amount will be accorded to tin; Empire product; that, we take it. means that Empire-grown sugar is to be admitted free, while one hallpenny per pound will be charged on foreign grown sugar imported into Great Britain. On Mr Ainery’s showing there is also to be an early meeting of the Economic Committee as arranged at the 1923 Imperial Conference, its first duty being to ascertain liow Empire products can be brought to the consumer at a moderate price, while securing a - reasonable return to the producer. The fact that foreign markets are being closed against Great Britain for one reason or another makes it increasingly important to develop trade within the Empire. It is to be hoped that the British manufacturer will rise to the occasion and lesume his old-time superiority over the foreign manufacturer, by’ giving increased attention to the requirements of his overseas customers, and bv studying their wishes and showing greater promptitude in fulfilling thenorders.