BRITISH TRADE PROSPECTS

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14261, 12 January 1920, Page 5

BRITISH TRADE PROSPECTS

AN ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK. COMING YEAR OF SOLVENCY. BUMPER OUTPUT ANTICIPATED. (Australian and N.Z. and Reuter.) Received January 11, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 9. In the House of Commons Sir Auckland Geddes, president of the Board of Trade, made a statement reviewing the trade prospects. He said that the position was undoubtedly encouraging. He pointed out that the position needed only a natural increase in exports and the earnings of British vessels to secure a net favourable balance this year. In that case the year 1920 would be a year of solvency, in which we would begin clearing off our debt abroad and resume investments in foreign countries and particularly the development of the Empire. With freedom from labour disputes, 1920 should give « bumper output from British shipbuilding yards. He pointe'd out that the cotton and woollen industries were flooded with orders and likewise the engineering trades. The latter were only waiting a settlement of the disastrous iron moulders' dispute.