GIVE PREFERENCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17154, 2 October 1926, Page 7

GIVE PREFERENCE

PRIME MINISTER’S ADVICE THE REASON WHY In a Inter written specially for the Christchurch. Press’s Empire Trade number, the Kt. Hon. ,T. C. Coates, Prime Minister of New Zealand, states: — * ‘it is very important that New Zealanders should recognise that the principle of purchasing from British sources those goods which we must import, is sound from the point of view of the nation and of the individual Yet, when we contrast the extent to which the Dominion relies on Great Britain and the sister dominions in the disposal of its produce, with the degree to which it draws its imports therefrom, we find that, whilst the value of our exports to these countries is more than six times than to foreign countries, the value of our imports is less than three times, Viewed from another standpoint, New Zealand finds a market outside the Empire for 13 per cent, of her imports. Cannot these comparative figures he improved? “Any concerted effort which aims at encouraging and stimulating trade within the Empire is deserving of commendation; and it is a source of gratification to know that the New Zealand Associated Press are taking action in this direction, By educating our citizens to a fuller realisation of the great national advantages of giving preference to British Countries for our imports, and concentrating still further on British markets for our exports, the newspapers, with their influence in moulding public opinion, are performing a valuable service. Tliere is no more useful medium than trade intercourse for maintaining healthy relationship between the different parts of the Empire, and for promoting a mutual interest in the welfare and prosperity of our respective communities.” '