PRAISE FOR BRITAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27505, 27 September 1950, Page 6

PRAISE FOR BRITAIN

Dunedin Business Man Returns NEW METHODS IN INDUSTRY With glowing impressions of British courtesy, hospitality, vigour and enterprise, Mr R. H. Gardner is back in Dunedin after an absence of seven months. He travelled by sea both ways, on a liner through the Suez Canal to go to England, and by cargo ship on the Panama route home. His chief purpose in the visit was to attend the British Industries Fair, which he described to the Daily Times yesterday as “ a triumph of organisation.’ “The courtesy, patience and kindness of the people of England astounded me,” said Mr Gardner. “There were times when I felt almost ashamed to be a New Zealander, for we are a long way behind the British when it comes to manners. They can teach us a lot.” British business men were suffering from a feeling of frustration and were desperately anxious to return to a private enterprise system and a free economy, said Mr Gardner. Nevertheless, there was widespread implementing of new methods. Up-to-date plants were being built, and where possible, new machinery was being installed in factories. Exports were being stepped up and more attention was being paid to market research than ever before. Some of the advertising techniques were outstanding. French Industry

In Paris, Mr Gardner attended the International Trade Fair, and saw evidence of industrial expansion in France. The heavy machinery exhibits were astonishing and great strides had been made m the manufacture of such articles as sewing machines—standard, electric and portable. The French were also going into the watchmaking business and were combining with Swiss firms for this purpose. Mr Gardner takes a keen interest in youth work, and visited the Westhill Training College for youth leaders. A three-year survey of the youth of Birmingham had just been completed before he arrived. “This survey revealed the intellectual poverty of the young folk between 14 and 20,” he said. “ Fortunately, the Government is encouraging the Youth Club movement, which is really grappling with the problem of delinquency. The effects of the war years are still being felt among adolescents. “It was most encouraging to find that the Churches are supporting the youth clubs,” he said. “In fact, they are not only giving a lead, but have provided premises for at least half the clubs in the country. The film magnate, Mr Rank, has also done some admirable and outstanding work in raising the standard of films for children.

“Great Britain is weary and a little downhearted at times. • Life is very drab. "We in New Zealand could do a great deal more by writing letters and sending illustrated papers—things which help to encourage and cheer people and take them out of their own surroundings for a time. Our own standard of living appears to be 50 per cent, higher than that of the average Briton. We could do more to bring spmething fresh into their lives. Cost of Defence

"“In the realm of defence, too, we in New Zealand are not facing up to our responsibilities. Although we enjoy so much higher a standard of living, we pay about 3 per cent, of our national income towards defence, while Britain pays more than 10 per cent.” Mr Gardner added that he would like to see this country doing more to relieve the overcrowding of a little island which is jammed full with its population of 50,000,000. Over a period of 10 years we should be able to take, say, 1,000,000 people. They should be brought out in balanced communities and family units and many more orphans could be brought to the Dominion.

“ Britain is in an economic tangle, but she will survive it, chiefly because of the moral worth of her people. The wonderful courage and spirit of the British people will never let them down,” he said.