COUNTRY’S CREDIT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16952, 6 February 1926, Page 11

COUNTRY’S CREDIT.

CABINET’S FIRST CONCERN. HELPING HAND TO BRITAIN. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. The lit. Hon. J. G- Coates and the Hon. W. Downie Stewart were entertained at the' luncheon of the New Zealand Association of British .Manufacturers. In reply to a toast Mr. Coates said the Government was anxious to adopt methods which would secure the best economic and financial results to tho country. The first concern, was tbn country’s credit. They were proud of the British characteristic of sticking to one’s word, and the Government would have to give the lead to the people in giving a helping hand to Britain. Nowhere was there a greater field for British trade, and to-day the United Kingdom was getting openings for more of its trade Hum in any oilier part of the Empire. The Government was willing to give the British manufaelme; a fair chance, and give him preference. The difference between the duty paid on British goods imported into New Zealand and tho duty'which would have been paid on such goods had the duty been levied at the general or foreign rates was as follows : Preference on goods produced in tlie Uirited Kingdom £2,559,990 in 1923 and in *1925 £3,392,900. Tiie percentage of British motor cars imported into the, Dominion was 4 nor cent, in 1922 and 10 per cent, in 1925. He admitted that, Mr. Lambic was a first class representative, but New Zealand wanted to sen Mr. Lambic holding a higher status. A proper organisation also was required. Mr. ,Stewart said the problem of the States trading through Canada was difficult and involved. Tho percentage of British irnoorts from Great Britain was not as great as it was before the war. The United States had taken second place amongst our imports. Conspicuous changes .in the growth of trade with America and Canada had to bo recorded, and a decline of trade with Great Britain. The best comfort lie could offer was that had it not been for tho tariff the percentage would have been lower.