A GREAT STIMULUS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16301, 7 April 1927, Page 2

A GREAT STIMULUS

PRINCE'S CALL TO INDUSTRY.

FRESH MELDS -MUST BE EXPLORED. LONDON, Feb. 23. The Prince of Wales' statesmanlike contribution to the solution of the problems of British industry in his speech at the Mansion House. London, on Monday night has had a stimulating effect on manufacturers, merchants, and traders generally throughout, the country, and the watchword he suggested, Adopt, adapt, and improve," will be the keynote of Britain's industrial efforts during the year. * Everywhere leaders of trade organisations and all concerned in industry are unanimous that the speech was most opportune and revealed the Prince s intimate knowledge in matters concerning the relations of employers and employed that make for prosperity. ~..,, Me urged, with a practical insight, that British manufacturers and merchants seeking to capture overseas trade should lie ready to sink personal pride in old traditional methods in order to meet the differing needs of foreign customers, lie also echoed the sentiment of the great hulk of British trade unionists who realise that prosperity aud high wages can come only from large production. The optimistic assurance of the lrincc ■ of Wales, who in the eyes of the whole commercial world is the foremost ambassador for British trade, will give a tremendous impetus to trade throughout the world. .„ BAD* SALESMANSHIP. Particular interest has been aroused among the growing number of indus- \ trialists whose -volume of business with South America has greatly increased in the past two years by the Prince's reference to the shortcomings of British methods in displaying goods in foreign markets. . . Sir Malcolm A. Robertson, British Minister at Buenos Aires, who is at present in London on leave, said yesterday :' .

•'The Piince of Wales' comment on this flaw in British salesmanship is most timely. It has been far too common for a very Jong time for British manufacturers to advertise their products in English only, whereas in the Argentine their United States and German trade rivals generally use Spanish as well. "This* defect in British methods by no means applies solely to tins of paint, but to practically every article of commerce that can be" thought of. An improvement has been discernible, however, and there are signs that our firms are becoming much more 'live..'" ,