GREAT BRITAIN’S HANDICAP,

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 64

GREAT BRITAIN’S HANDICAP,

LOW PRODUCTION COSTS ON CON. TINENT.

CHRISTCHURCH, October 3.

“ England still leads the way in design and quality, but the Continent leads in the matter of prices,” remarked Mr A. G. Davidson, of Christchurch, when discussing his recent visit Home, Mr Davidson spent five months abroad. After visiting Great Britain he was for some time in Belgium and France. Generally, he said, and in contrast to some industries, notably the cotton industry, the carpet trade was good in Britain, but the industry was suffering from Continental importations. If England monopolised the trade her mill* would be working overtime and new mills would have to be erected. Belgium and France are working on all manufacturing lines, there being practically .no unemployment. In the month of August France’s unemployed numbered only 900. Lower production costs prevailed on the Continent. In Brussels one could stay at the best hotel for 16s a day. In England he found that manufacturers were anxious to meet overseas requirements, and in his own particular line he found manufacturers prepared to do anything to assist him.

Speaking in regard to the marketing of New Zealand’s primary produce, Mr Davidson commented favourably on the display of New Zealand meat 'and the manner in which it was brought before the public. In Kidderminster place, which was about the size of Wanganui, he saw a most attractive display. One butcher informed him that he used 50 carcasses a week.