INTRA-EMPIRE TRADE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 93, 11 July 1927, Page 12

INTRA-EMPIRE TRADE

“MOTION IS A FARCE” POWER BOARD DISCUSSION NO SENTIMENT IN ENGLAND ARISING out of the Waitemata x Power Board’s decision to purchase outside Britain for electrical supplies, Mr. Mackie moved, at to-day’s meeting, “That this board declares a policy in favour of trade within the Empire."

Mr. Mackie said he was not moving for sentimental reasons. It was only because he considered that, as Britain was New Zealand’s only customer worth while, our buying should be done in Britain. It was a case of commercial loyalty, and, departing from it, meant that they got on the wrong side of their consumers-. Mr. M. E. Thompson seconded. All*. E. A. Kennings said he was prepared to support- the motion, but submitted that it was as a business proposition they had first to look at it. They had also to see* what the other man was doing. “QUESTIONABLE PATRIOTISM" If they could get a British article he was with them. Australia gave a preferential tariff of 10 per cent, on condition that 75 per cent, of the article was British. The Associated Chambers of Commerce in New Zealand displayed their questionable patriotism by forcing the Government to reduce the percentage to 50. A general discussion took place at this stage, during which it was mentioned that much of the machinery at Arapuni was from Belgium, and the Government had bought German diesel engines. * Voices: "That was an exception.” “They were commandeered.” “They were stolen.” WHAT OF ENGLISH PRINCIPLES? Air. J. AlcLeod sa.i4 that for years they had been trying to get England to adopt the same principles. Had they helped us? A Voice: “No.” He said lie was as loyal as most people, but if they could get an article as good as British and cheaper, they should buy it. They must not let sentiment carry them away. England displayed little sentiment, and until they showed a desire to reciprocate they should buy in the best market. Air. Kennings said there was not a big British firm operating in New Zealand that was not allied to a European firm. The board had to protect itself when it could against combines. A motion was passed favouring trade within the Empire, but not making it a policy of the board. The Chairman, Air. J. W. Hayden: The motion doesn't lead anywhere, anyhow. It’s a farce. I want this more definite, so that the engineer and I know where we stand.