THREAT TO TRADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23002, 3 October 1936, Page 10

THREAT TO TRADE

CHEAP LABOUR COMPETITION PROTECTIVE ACTION ESSENTIAL (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 2. “ I think it is generally felt in commercial circles that while the foundations that were laid were sound the results of the Ottawa agreements have so far fallen somewhat short of expectations,” said Viscount Elibank at the opening session of the Chamber of Commerce congress to-day. “ They certainly have been effective up to a point, but 1 .might be permitted to suggest that the various Governments concerned are perhaps moving forward too cautiously. I will not say more on this occasion, for the whole subject is to be debated next week. “ On the other side of the picture,' continued Lord Elibank, “we find ourselves faced b, competition from countries having a very low standard of living which we have helped to equip with the most modern machinery and transport. Unless we recognise the changed conditions and adopt new methods to meet them, unrestricted competition m price will lead to retrogression rather than progress in civilisation Advanced nations must protect themselves against this, unless—which would be far wiser—means can be found to induce backward nations to raise their standards of living.”