BRITISH TRADE REVIVAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10546, 24 March 1920, Page 6

BRITISH TRADE REVIVAL

KEEN AFTER BUSINESS NEW ZEALANDER'S IMPRESSIONS. A copy, of the "Vancouver World" to hand by tho latest mail contains an interview with Mr O. M. Smith, of Dunedin; on his impressions of the British manufacturing world. Mr Smith, who was on his way bacK to Now Zealand from England, said ho had assurances from no less than sixty-nvo great manufacturing concerns, in Britain that in order to got back quickly tho trade seized by Americans in New Zealand whilo Britona wcro at war, these concerns, despite the enormous pressure of Home or. ders, would guarantee immediate delivery of any orders for New Zealand. These firms had capital ranging from one million to seven million pounds sterling each. There was a new spirit in British overseas trading methods, said Mr Smith. Britain was a hive of industry. The demands for war material now over, British manufacturers were organising with characteristic thoroughness to becomo supreme in world trade. Business policies of firms which scarcely varied in generations were being drastically revised. These- industrial magnates were not saying much, but they had no fear of any competition, ho added. Massed production, better marketing facili'tdes, bettor living conditions for workers, direct representation with the colonies—all these movements were being carried out with tenfold energy Tho chairman at a conference «f manufacturers in England -addressed by Mr Smith said in part:—"We are making every effort to place the good name of British industry on a pedestal that will brook no opposition from dumpers and price-'cutters in the avenues of commerce.''

Mr Smith was,, convinced the British manufacturer felt the day not far distant when hf> would be able to take up any competitor's challenge and beat him four points square.