NEW TRADE DRIVE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1932, Page 12

NEW TRADE DRIVE

APPEAL BY THE PRINCE.

EVERYONE “ON HLS TOES.”

The Prince of Wales made a stirring call on May 20 to all engaged in the trade of the country. “We want everyone engaged in every business,” he said, “to be 'on his toes’ to make that business a success.” He was speaking at the coming of age conference of the Incorporated Sales Managers’ Association held in London. The “Buy British” campaign, the Prince said, needed to be complemented by a well-planned and persistent effort to ‘‘Sell British,” not only at home, but abroad. That meant close and frequent study of the markets on the spot—not merely a brief and perfunctory visit to a country during which Only, a superficial knowledge could be acquired. The pressing need of the whole world was expansion of international trade, eaid the priuce, not its restriction, and they had to consider how they could secure an increase of sales wherewith to help the balance of their trade. First he would suggest the modernising of methods of production so that costs of production could be brought into competitive relation with those of other countries. “We need industrial harmony,” the Prince'said, “as a basis for commercial prosperity. 'I do not mean industrial harmony making for contented somnolence in our trades, but directed to increasing the driving force and efficiency in every trade. We want everyone engaged in every business to be ‘on his toes’ to make that business a success, to feel as keen for ‘his side’ to win in business as he is for his team to win in sport.” Parents could impress upon their children that commerce was a calling that was worth of the best of character and ability. They should, whenever possible, give tlicir sons and daughters every opportunity to learn how to speak and understand foreign languages. Boys intended for commerce might very advantageously spend a year abroad at the end of their school careers. Having alluded to the fact that the war took the cream of a generation that would to-day be from 35, to 45 years of age, and that, in consequence, fathers were carrying on far beyond retiring age, the Prince concluded: “To them and to all employers I would Say very earnestly, give other sons, give the rising manhood of the nation, the chance to prove their worth and their enterprise. “Bring into positions where they can exercise o initiative, imagination, courage and responsibility, young men at an earlier age than you have thought of engaging or ..promoting. If a man is not capable of taking responsibility and exercising authority and initiative by the time he is 30, there is small chance of his becoming so later. “We need new blood, young blood, full of life and energy, in industry and commerce if we are to grapple successfully with the problems and competition of to-day and to-morrow, as I am confident that we can. Recruit wisely, train thoroughly and trust boldly., and our young manhood will not fail you. I hope that this conference may do much to further the object set forth in its theme: ‘Creating business prosperity through salesmanship.’ ’’