The N. Z. Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1904. OUR MANUFACTURES AND COMMERCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5374, 6 September 1904, Page 4

The N. Z. Times

(PUBLISHED DAILY). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1904. OUR MANUFACTURES AND COMMERCE.

which is incorporated titk “ ■Wellington INDEPENDENT.” ESTABLISHED 1845#

It is every day becoming more evident that if the trade and prosperity of this country are to continue to make headway, our Government must adopt the best methods both for the development of the resources of New Zealand and for marketing her products. Hie Department of Trade and Commerce has done good work, but more remains to he done, both by it and by the Legislature. At the present time, on the initiative of Mr Witheford, the Extension of Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives is taking evidence as to why some of our industries are languishing, with a view to suggesting what remedial measures should he adopted. This should bo productive of certain tariff adjustments, especially in the case of the woollen industry, and perhaps also with reference to candles and some classes of saddlery work, and though it is not to be expected that a bill to alter the Customs tariff can be drafted and passed this session, the report of the committee ought to ho ready, so that legislators may be prepared to deal with tho subject next year. The protection required by the woollen manufacturing companies is a higher duty on shoddy goods. The products of New Zealand woollen mills can hold their own in competition with the

pure article; but as debased money drives out the good, so cheap adulterated goods nil!, ruin the honest industry, unless protective steps are taken. "There is no friendship in trade,” says the proverb, and neither is there any patriotism. ‘'At the time when the Victorian woollen manufacturers wore complaining that prejudice prevented the people from buying their goods,” remarked the Melbourne " Argus ” a few days ago, “ New Zealand rugs and blankets and tweeds were ■spoken of with pride all through, that colony, and commanded a ready sale in Victoria itself, not because Mow Zealanders are less prejudiced or more patriotic than Victorians, but because the mills were kept quite up-to-date in the matter of machinery, and the managers were determined to make a name for the commodities they manufactured which • would overcome prejudice and command support.” Now that our woollen goods have established a reputation, it is deplorable to find them being ousted by shoddy imitations; and it is the duty of Parliament to come to tho rescue of this and other industries that are capable of offering more employment to our people; and at tho same time the country would bo saved the outflow of money for imported goods. There is also great room for improvement in tho methods adopted of marketing our exports in England and of keeping tho attractions of New Zealand in tho public gaze at Home. Tho United States and Canada each, in their own way, show an example of what might he done. On the Ist July last a new Department of State was set up at Washington to attend to commercial and manufacturing interests. One branch of this department is tho Bureau of Manufacturers. It is the province and duty of this (bureau, under the direction of the secretary, to foster, promote, and develop the various manufacturing industries of tho United States, and markets for tho same, at homo and abroad, by gathering, compiling, publishing, and supplying all available and useful information concerning such industries and such markets, and by such other methods and moans as may bo prescribed by the secretary or provided by law. Every recent visitor . from New Zealand to England has told us of the activity shown by Canada in.tho way of advertising her products, and the inducements she offers to settlers. By contrast, New Zealand is inconspicuous. Canada has premises on the ground floor at Charing Cross Station, where she exhibits her goods and gives information to inquirers—a plan which the Commonwealth Government talks of adopting. At tho redout annual dinner of the London Chamber of Commerce, reference was made to the Britains beyond the seas; Canadian representatives responded, lauding tho capabilities of their country; but no one'was present to say a word for Now Zealand. As Mr Witheford said when he narrated this incident in the House of Repre-' sentatives, “we want a better business representation in London, than wo have at the present time.” With the appointment of a High Commissioner, we ought certainly to follow Canada’s example in the matter of business “push.” Tho Government of New Zealand has done splendid work in fostering production and securing good prices for our exports; but it is not sufficient to rest on past achievements. We must “keep up with the procession,” if we do not lead it, in ©very particular. No on© will begrudge the money spent in developing our trade and manufactures, for the benefits of the expenditure will be felt by the whole community, by, the wealth and comfort of the people being increased.