A NOTABLE GATHERING

Wairarapa Age, 14 July 1931, Page 7

A NOTABLE GATHERING

BRITISH CAB FOB OVERSEA MARKETS. ADDRESS BY MR. J. H. THOMAS. The new Hillman Wizard l ear was introduced to a distinguished gathering at a luncheon held at the Albert Hall, London, on April .27, presided over by Colonel J. A. Cole, chairman of the Humber-Hillman-Commer Group, the guest of honour being the Kt. Hon. X H. Thomas, M.P., Secretary of State for the Dominions l . The thousand guests, as they lunched, watched a series of congratulatory telegrams from every part of the gloibe as they were flashed on to a gargantuan screen. Included amongst the many messages were expressions of goodwill from the Rt. Hon. Stanley M. Bruce, the Hon. G. W. Forbes (Prime Minister of New Zealand), Sir Herbert Stanley, G.C.M.G., H.M. High Commissioner for South Africa, H.M. Trade Commisfcioner for Kingston, Jamaica, and The Council of the British Chamber of Commerce, Portugal. The speakers were Colonel Cole and Mr. J. H. Thomas, and the latter read out a striking cablegram which had been received from the Prince of Wales. Then came a really wonderful film showing the car undergoing its gruelling testing in ten countries 1 — through the blizzard-swept passes of the Pyrenees and the burning heat of the African deserts, on the conclusion of which, with a triumphant fanfare from the organ, flood lights swept the arena and disclosed a full range of the new ears, altogether a stirring and impressive ceremony.

Mr. Thomas said, in part:-?-* 4 ! would make one observation to our foreign friends present; when you read in the popular Press of our misfortunes as to being down and out, I task you. to remember that this is Budget day, and that assembled in this gathering is a very large and representative number of business men, hoping for the best—preparing for the worst—but quite happy in the knowledge land satisfaction that, although in two hours from now their fate will bef known, they will be just as ready to come to a dinner this evening as they have been to come to this luncheon to-day. I am especially delighted because in responding to you I have the following mes sage to read to you from the Prince of Wales:— *•’ * I understand that you are the chief guest to-day at a large and influential gathering to inaugurate a new world model car specially designed to comply with the requirements of overseas markets. Haring just returned from South America I am convinced ’that a great future lies before the British Motor Industry. British ears which I have us*d on my recent tours abroad have proved that this country can produce cars suited for overseas. But British, manufacturers must not only produce such cars; good salesmanship and good oervice after sales must be their keynote if they are to capture the world’s market. I wish the industry every possible success. Edward P.’

4 4 Gentlemen, no words that I can utter can more adequately or cordially express our sentiments, but may I suggest that the message which wc should convey to His Roylal Highness—who for a long time has establish' d a claim to be Britain’s best salesman—not only on behalf of this gathering but on behalf of the great mass of British people in all parts of the world, is we thank you for what you have done, we are proud of your efforts, we all appreciate your devotion to duty, but our answer is that we intend henceforth not for you to have to tell us what we ought to -do, but to express our determination to make your task more easy. After all, that is the keynote of this gathering. But we not bnly as guests, but as admirers, wish to give a message to the world and especially to our Dominions, that we intend to cater for their trades, their needs, and their requirements. 44 1 do not disguise, for myself, my special interest in the working classes, not because I believe in any class, not because I subscribe to the policy that any one class is superior to another, but because I believe that if this old country is to succeed and’ prosper, if she is to triumph over her present difficulties—and I believe she will triumph—l have a clear and definite recognition that the old school, the old courage, yes and the old determination—the Capital of Labour, employer and employee—the only people that can contribute to the well-being of the nation are untied in saying we n-e going to see this old country right. 4 ‘l think those responsible for this gathering to-day would be the first to pay tribute to the ■ skill and fidelity of “very workman in their employ, because their spirit is. embodied in this great experiment. It is because wc believe that we are producing to day something that illustrates the skill umd character of our people, because we believe that if this old country is to maintain and regain its best conditions, it can only be in the development of our export trade. We are proud to welcome to-day an effort that is not bnly designed and intended to meet our home requirements, but is also intend ocl to meet our overseas requirements. 4 4 My Lords and Gentlemen, it is very difficult and indeed dangerous to prophesy. There is no man in this gathering who is not genuinely apprehensive—not apprehensive for himself —but for the demoralization of character that follows long periods of unemployment. It is not to be measured in a financial balance. You cannot measure it on a balance, the loss of character and independence and all that follows periods of unemployment. Unemployment or idleness demoralises all classes—whether it be rich or poor. It is because I want to see that British character preserved—-because I am proud of being a Britisher—that I am always pleased to associate myself with everything that not only demonstrates the position of an industry, but above all, gives work and encouragement to our people. For this and for

no other reason, I am delighted to be present, not in a party spirit, not merely believing in the success of a particular political view, but because I am convinced that we British people inherit something we not only ought to be proud of, but we ought to preserve; and iany industry—whether it be the motor or any other —that can show to the world that old tradition has survived and is being maintained, is worthy of the support of all. That is the spirit on behalf of His Majesty’s Government that I attend this gathering to-day; that is the spirit, I contend, which must inculcate into this industry something that must ultimately triumph, and I hope that the Hillman Wizard will be la triumph to the world.”