TRADE CONDITIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22832, 17 March 1936, Page 10

TRADE CONDITIONS

EUROPE AND AMERICA GENERAL EVIDENCE OF IMPROVEMENT MR J. R. FAIRBAIRN’S OBSERVATIONS (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, March 16. General evidence of improving trade conditions in several countries was noted by Mr J. R. Fairbairn. of the firm of Irvine and Co., Ltd., wool merchants, Dunedin, who returned to New Zealand by the Niagara after a six months’ visit to Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and the north of France. Mr Fairbairn expressed admiration for the manner in which the British people had faced up to their economic problems. “ The thing that strikes one most is that they have got down to hiard work and are looking after their business,” he said. "They realise that is the only way to regain prosperity. America has not yet realised that.” Trade conditions were improving wonderfully in Britain, and there was every indication that the improvement would continue, added Mr Fairbairn. The atmosphere was one of general confidence.

Mr Fairbairn visited the textile districts in the north of France, and also noted the general feeling of optimism there. The textile business was in a very good condition. In the United States Mr Fairbairn found that industry was improving. The production of woollen materials last year bad constituted a record and business was still booming. Canada was still passing through the depression and the fanning industry had been affected, hut there waa reason for optimism as to the future of the country.