The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1911. TRADE METHODS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 68, 3 November 1911, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1911. TRADE METHODS.

British traders are being constantly reminded in those days that in the domain of business they are a long way behind the pushful German, and the equally hustling American, and critics declare that the two latter possess more business push and tact than the Englishman. Some writers, however, express doubts as to whether or not this is really so, and as a general rule most people think that the Englishman is just as good a man of business as the German or the American, and possibly the Frenchman is the equal, if not the superior of all three. That Americans, at any rate, sometimes make mistakes is evident by the fact that an expert from that country has recently expressed the opinion that in some branches of trade in the East, American methods have not secured the best results. Much better returns, he remarks, would be evident if manufacturers acquainted themselves with the peculiar requirements of the markets to be served, or which are now being served, and placed the product in the hands of American representatives, soliciting information as to brands and territory that might be profitably worked, and allowing reasonably clastic terms and expenses. It is quite natural- that foreign representatives, no matter how honourable and accurate in their commercial relations, display a national prejudice. If they ire agents for other goods of the same class as those handled for the United States’ manufacturers, they are naturally inclined to push those of their own country, allowing the American goods in some cases to stay on the shelves, or using them by comparison to push other products. In one or two instances foreign agents have admitted that they secured the agency for American articles to prevent competitors, from getting it, as well as for using the margins allowed to secure greater concessions from their own country’s manufacturers.

AWKWARD HOLIDAYS. Tho Auckland “Observer,” referring to the disorganising list of holidays in tlio Dominion, says:—“The entire schedule of the public holidays now granted in New Zealand demands revision. Years ago, these holidays had grown to an abnormal number, when compared with those of other counties, hut instead of a reduction there has been a steady increase, and in some quarters there is still a cry for more, but this, it is to be hoped, will not be acceded to. As it is, both Labour Day and Dominion Day could very well be excised, and a scrutiny ol the ofiicial holiday list must dis- ( close at least one or two others that could profitably be dispensed with. Nothing can he done in this mallei' i now, hnt it is a question which is well i worthy of the attention of a select committee of the House in the course ‘ of next session. In the meantime, it f should be kept steadily in view, as the i Cabinet Ministers say.” We are in \ entire accord with our contemporary, j and the views expressed above ought q

to lie very heartily endorsed by over;, business man.