EMPIRE FREE TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20902, 18 June 1931, Page 14

EMPIRE FREE TRADE.

Sir, —The letter under the above heading and over the name of H. S. PAton is somewhat thought-prDvoking. The policy of Empire free trads lie advocates is one finding endorsement among unbiassed minds having no sectional interests to serve, though, as matters stand, the only measures likely of acceptance, and which would be carried, irrespective of party po'litics were a referendum taken, are the removal of tariffs against the United Kingdom, and better reciprocal arrangements with other parts of the Empire. Apart altogether Jrom the economics of the attitude, most people have a very human objection to giving favourable treatment to countries, irt or out of the Empire, which will not buy from them in turn. The attainment of the goal liere seems 'to be. along the road of progressively increasing reciprocity. So far, I have no doubt, from his letter, that Air. P.'iton will agree. Regarding the ultimate ideal of world free trade (wliich is certainly not "practical politics" now) it is interesting to note, from the report of the Ford Motor Company of Great Britain. 1930, the following:—"This company and its associated companies are employing Englishmen, Irish, Dutch, French, Belgians, Danes, Germans, Italians, Swedes, Spaniards, Finns, Turks, all working in their respective factories and doing the same job with similar tools under equal factory conditions. We compare how long it takes each respective man to complete his work. In Denmark, where we pay the highest wages in Europe, we find the lowest 'minute costs.' On the other hand, in Belgium, where the wages are lowest, the "minute costs' are highest. This is 110 flash-in-the-pan comparison. Week after week, and month after month, the figures confirm the experience." The foregoing, and a mass of other evidence available go to show that in ia general way and in the long run the "lower standard" countries are not really efficient in competition with the "higher standard" countries, either for quantity or quality. It is significant to note,, also, that Denmark is a free trade country, and our greatest competitor. T. E. McMillan. Matamata.