TRADE PROSPECTS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3598, 2 April 1924, Page 6

TRADE PROSPECTS

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Iti is patent to the people of the Dominion that the Labour Government in England does not enter., tain a very friendly feeling towards us—in fact, antagonistic to us. The English idea of the Colony is that 1 it is a fitting place to dump the family waster, and absorb the surplus. This idea is not likely to foster Mr Massey’s Imperial schemes. It is a question of number one with them. Look what an enormous sacritcc we made to keep the flag flying, and this is our reward.

I don’t fancy many will fallow our Premier in buying so much from the English. They don’t buy our produce unless they need, and we buy their factory goods. One fails to see where the favour comes in. We have to compete with other Nations in the open market. They are not going to change their Free Trade Policy to please us. That is evident. Wo know not to expect favours or preference of any kind.

Tears ago, I was associated with a corn merchant at Home, who did an extensive trade in Russian grain. The trouble, however was that the supply was uncertain. Russia and Turkey were often at war in those days, so the Dardanelles were often closed and one lost touch with the trade. Now it is different with the Black Sea Ports open to all nations. Russia will swamp the markets with grain. What chance have the English to compete with them. I am afraid that the grand old yeoman farmer, who has been the main stay in ages past, will go to tho wall. It is a tragedy, and it will be a bad day for England should this happen. Happen it will, If they don’t adopt some show of protection to save him from ruin. As it is, they depend on other nations to feed 40,, 000,000. It’s not a pleasant prospect with the ever increasing population. I am, etc., OLD COLONIAL,