OUSTED FROM MARKETS

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIII, 6 February 1923, Page 5

OUSTED FROM MARKETS

BRITAIN LOSING A MOTOR WAR. British manufacturers of commercial motor vehicles are being ousted from the world’s markets. Sir John Thornycroft, the famous motor engineer, and head of the firm of J. I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., said to a prees representative:

“Before the war British manufacturers held the leading position as manufacturers of commercial vehicles and motor cars, but owing to military demands during the war they were prevented from supplying colonial and overseas markets. The Americans seized the opportunity to supply cars and vehicles in great quantities. “South America, particularly Brazil, furnishes an example of what hae occurred. In pre-war days there were as many British vehicles in Rio de Janeiro as there were any foreign, makes. Today, of the five or six thousand cars in the city there are said to be fewer than a dozen of British make.

“In India, Australia, and New Zealand much the same state of affairs exists. It might be argued that if British makers are able to manufacture equally well they should be able to recover their market, but where users have adopted' types in large numbers \they prefer to continue using them, as agents have been able to establish service depots with supplies of spares. “Continental makers are able to sup ply the ovenseas markets at SHWh Iwer prices, owing to their depreciated exchange. while the Americans, with their protected home market, which enables them to produce in enormous quanti- 7 ties, are also able to supply at low prices. “Both in France and America the motor industry has been booming for some time, and it is common knowledge that in France there have been no motor mechanics out of employment this year. “A recent investigation of employment in the British commercial motorvehicle trade showed that not more than ten per cent, of the number of men employed two years ago are- now engaged. Yet foreign commercial vehicles continue to be imported duty free. “At the present rate of exchange Germany, Italy, and France can all send their makes to this country at prices against which it is impossible for British makers to compete. It may be a surprise to many people to know that an average of about two German commercial vehicles a day have been imported during th isyear.” obey orders. Two Cormans were killed and four wounded, but the affair hitherto has been hushed up. “The Times” Essen correspondent says that the situation in the Ruhr and Rhineland became worse during the week-end. There have been many arrests, removals from office, and expulsions of- officials, including Doctm Fuchs, Over-President of the Rhine province, the highest official in the Rhineland. An anti-French demonstration of protest was dispersed by French infantry. A number of tragic incidents as a result of trouble between French soldiers and Germans have been reported. One German was shot dead and three others seriously wounded. The “Daily Mail’s” Vienna correspondent states that hatred against the French has spread through Bavaria into Austria, the sentiment becoming intensely pan-German, even anti-British.—“The Times” and A. and N.Z. Cable.