The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1916. INTER-EMPIRE TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 October 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1916. INTER-EMPIRE TRADE.

The address delivered in New riymoutli on Monday evening by the British Trade Commissioner for New Zealand (Mr. Jt. W. 'Dalton) deserves the serious attention of all who arc interested in the welfare of the Dominion and of the Empire. Mr. Dalton represents the Commercial Department of the British Board of Trade, tho particular function of which is to develop Empire trade. The mere presence in the dominions of representatives of the British Board of Trade emphasises the great awakening- that has taken place in the Homeland in regard to the development of trade, commerce, industries and all other activities that form the life-blood of a nation. Britain has frequently been twitted as a nation of traders, but it has taken the most colossal war that has ever been, or probably ever will he, waged, to open the eyes of the British nation to the fact that they had totally failed to grasp the full meaning of Imperial trade. Thanks, however, to the marvellous powers of initiative and execution that have responded to the pressing call to vitality, a wonderful change has taken place. Industry has by force of circumstances been organised for the first time in the British history in such a way as to show conclusively that the nation has taken an entirely new lease of industrial life. For the first time the Motherland has realised not only howserious were her industrial shortcomings in the past, but how thoroughly she can meet future requirements without being dependent on foreign goods or material. Mr. Dalton, probably unconsciously, gave a verbal sketch of the great transformation scene that has revolutionised British industrial and commercial life. He pointed to the army of workers who before the war were engaged on the manufacture of tin toys—trains, guns, artillery, soldiers, and every variety of toy so dear to the young folk. The war came and, as it were by the wave of a wand, these toy-makers became

I munition-makers, making real guns and j ammunition 'for Britain and her Allies, and when the war i 3 over, this same adaptability, helped by the machinery that is now being used for war purposes (alter the necessary alterations and adjustments have been made), will enable these workers to manufacture articles that are needed, many of which have heretofore been procured from Germany. The mission of Mr. Dalton is one that has for its object the development of trade within the Empire, and may be regarded as the foundation of our post-war trade policy. There can be no question as to the end of combined action in the future to oust Germany from her prewar trade. The fiat has gone forth that the resumption of business intercourse, with her is unthinkable, and, as Mr. Dalton rightly contended, it is a matter of self-preservation, Britain has had to learn to do without German goods and to make them herself, so that it would 'be suicidal to take a retrograde step and again become dependent on enemy imports. The door has been closed and should never be re-opened. The Trade Commissioner dwelt at some length on the subject of loyalty. He has been in New Zealand for nine months and should have gained a close insigbt into the general views and feelings of traders concerning loyalty to British manufacturers. It is apparent that he feels none too sure that the spirit of loyalty here is sufficiently strong to withstand the strenuous efforts that will be made by Germany to regain her trade with the Dominion, for he quoted an instance in point. At the same time lie gave a graphic description of tlie splendid example now being set by the British manufacturers who are losing profits because of their loyalty to the Government, and are certainly justified in expecting that this loyalty will be appreciated in a practical manner by customers waiting for goods until the Government requirements are met. Xo one can accuse these manufacturers with want of enterprise, for not only have they supplied the Government with what was required, but they have retained ninety per cent, of their export trade—a record of which they may justly be proud. Britain's industrial capacity now stands revealed, and she will emerge from the war far more fitted than ever previously to claim industrial supremacy. It would be, said Mr. Dal- ; ton, a fatal 'business for agents or buyers in New Zealand to engage with fo- I reign manufacturers for any contract : that may extend after the war. There is no article produced in Germany that cannot be, and in being, produced is

England. What is required of the Dominions is loyalty and co-operation in Empire trade, and by joi-iing in the work of development in British manufacturers the Dominions will lie serving their best interests, for they will he adding to the power and strength of the Motherland m well as 'becoming participators in a joint stock trading and industrial concern that will benefit the Empirp and serve to keep Germany from preparing for further upheavals. We may with' the utmost confidence look forward to the future of the Empire wherein the various units combine to work together for the benefit of the whole in such a way that in the no dls taut future the Empire will be absolutely self-contained, and that instead of our money helping to foster evil influences on the part of foreign nations, it will so strengthen the power and ability of Greater Britain that a long era of peace, freedom, prosperity and enlightenment will be assured for the world at large. We must therefore ho as loyal after the war as during its currency, for on perfect loyalty will depend the utilisation of the full fruits of that victory for which we are paying s0 heavy a price.