BRITISH HOUSE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21940, 25 October 1934, Page 15

BRITISH HOUSE

I EMPIRE MARKET CENTRE | PROPOSAL FOR AUCKLAND I LONDON COMMITTEE'S PLANS Definite action has been taken to ! give effect to proposals made some time | ago for the erection in Auckland and I other centres in the overseas Dominions ■of "British Houses," which will be ; used as marketing and exhibition build--1 ings for British products. The scheme has been considered in London by an | advisory committee, representative of British and New Zealand interests under the chairmanship of Lord Southborough. and the necessary steps for the formation of a company have been taken. It is expected the company will be registered in England, where the greater portion of the capital will be subscribed. Discussing the scheme recently, Lord Southborough, who has a distinguished career of service to the State, said the i houses could be erected and paid for without Government interference or assistance. They would be promoted in the interest of trade and be managed by traders. Each city might build a "British House" suitable .to its trade requirements and social conditions. Some of the objects of the promoting company might be stated as follows:—To establish in trade centres publicity and marketing buildings to be known as "British Houses," to assist all classes of manufacturers and retailers of British Empire products by means of showrooms, etc., to advorJ tise and to "Sell British," and to assist the public to "Buy British," to co-oper-ate with trade organisations and Trade Commissioners, to bring Empire buyers and sellers more closely together, and to disseminate accurate information regarding markets. Lord Southborough said the New Zealand scheme, which had been worked out with care and knowledge, proposed to divide such buildings into shops and general offices, permanent exhibitions : warehouse accommodation, an inquiry and travel bureau, writing and reception rooms, an art exhibition, and a bank. There would also be a first-class restaurant, perhaps a club, and, lastly, a bonded warehouse. a