GERMAN BID FOR TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17256, 4 September 1919, Page 7

GERMAN BID FOR TRADE

SEEKING BRITISH ORDERS. TEMPTING PRICES OFFERED. United Service. LONDON, Sept. 2. Trade between Britain and Germany resumed today. There are evidences everywhere in London of the Germans rushing through the open door with the greatest zest and elaborate civility. The press quotes astonishingly low prices of many lines, and promises of immediate delivery. Sellers point out particularly the advantages obtainable through the low German exehance and cheap production. An example is stated of a piano offered from £30, which equals the quality of an English instrument costing £135. Engineering supplies are quoted at 40 per cent, under English. Hume of the leading firms firmly rifii-.,) orders, but confess it will be difficult, to avoid dealing ultimately with Germany owing to the ompctitim of numerous smaller houses, unless the Government limits clumping. Others are frankly stocking German Christmas goods, finding the priced irresistible. English manufacturers of textiles admit that they are still tremendously handicapped owing to the extreme cheapness and high quality of the German

dyes. The Federation of British Industries is convening meetings of various trade sections to discuss demands for increased protection, which is regarded as vital.