BRITISH INDUSTRY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16836, 27 December 1928, Page 2

BRITISH INDUSTRY

THE POSITION BEVIEWED QUIET YEAR EXPERIENCED (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) {Australian and NJ2. Press Association. LONDON, Doc. 25. Tho prospects measured by hopes of a year ago i'or 192$ are disappointing, according to Mr. Ebbisham, president of the Federation of Industries. There have not b< on any gains, but nevertheless there have not heeu losses. 'l'liis ' was the (|iiietosf year since the Armistice. World conditions were more settled, and disputes in Britain were notably absent. There had been a material shrinkage in the adverse trade balance. The regeneration and reorganisation of industry which had been undertaken should provide a basis for substantial results in 1929. Mr Hitchens, of Messrs. Camincll, Laird and Co., is despondent, and does not see .-.igns of a marked revival in steel. Orders are scarce and prices keenly cut. Tho chief hope lies in .recent important steps to reorganise the industry. Far-reaching adjustments are inevitable. Shipbuilding is similarly depressed. There is no sign of a solution.- The capacity of British yards exceeds the demand. There is iio indication that the demand will be sufficiently expanding. Mr. Ben Tillett believes that, if Britain presents a united front she can compete with America, France, or Germany, or all combined. The present peace conferences between employers and trade unions constitute a genuine gesture, and nro capable of working wonderful changes for the country's good, and the betterment of trade. Labor must be prepared to shoulder the increased responsibility which arises from a bigger share in industry. Labor Is willing to eo-operato under fair conditions, but there must be more trust and less suspicion. Good teamwork can produce the progress that everybody desires.