FREE TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23599, 7 March 1940, Page 13

FREE TRADE

Sir, —Jt has been hinted that we must prepare for the difficulties arising on the cessation of hostilities, and one of the main issues will be the lifting of trade barriers. As nationalism is at the root of mast of the unrest which has pervaded the world since the last war, this shibboleth must be overthrown. It can only be eradicated by free trade. This cannot be accomplished instantly, however. Statesmen throughout the world are paving the way for its introduction. We in New Zealand should anticipate this new outlook on world affairs and set our house in order. First of all, as a gesture of sincere assistance to the Mother Country, we should bring our currency in line with sterling, as promised by the present Government. Further, we should reduce the Customs tariff by 25 per cent on all goods manufactured in Great Britain.

Sir Harry Batterbee, at the luncheon in the Chamber of Commerce, stressed the fact that it was most essential for Great Britain to increase her export trade. Agriculture at Home is receiving greater recognition and the time may not be far distant when we in New Zealand will only be permitted to export to Britain the equivalent of our imports from her. The British Government is granting millions of pounds for the development of the Colonies, West Indies, Kenya, etc., etc. These countries will receive an enormous impetus at the conclusion of the war. We, in Now Zealand, will find lve have the disadvantage of distance to debar us from securing emigrants and also we will find that our only customer has created new competitors for her restricted markets. Having poured so much money into these dependencies, it would be only natural that she give them preference Therefore, it behoves our Government to scrap their short-sighted,in-sular jxilieies and realise the changing trend of Empire trade. John Bright.