TRADE WITH BRITAIN.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15360, 8 October 1923, Page 5

TRADE WITH BRITAIN.

N.Z. ORDER REFUSED.

ACTION BY LANCASHIRE FIRMS.

TRADE COMMISSIONER'S VIEW.

(By Telegraph.—Special to Times.)' WELLINGTON, Saturday.

Yesterday the following paragraph appeared in the evening paper: "A New Zealand company, not in a large way of business at present, received a shock a few days ago when an order for certain plant was refused by a Arm of British manufacturers. The order was likely to amount to £750 to £iooo, and it was sent to a great firm in Lancashire specialising in plant of the kind required. The order was to have been paid for cash against documents, or virtually as soon as the plant was placed on board the steamer conveying it to New Zealand. The reasons given for the refusal to accept this business were want of knowledge of the company and references in Great Britain, preference for dealing through some exporting Arm in London, and the smallness of the particular order. The local firm felt annoyed at the rebuff to place its business with a British in preference to a foreign manufacturer, but it is understood that it will still try to get its order executed in Britain."

Commenting on the matter to-day, the British Trade Commissioner (Mr N. Elmslio) said: " It is impossible'to make any comment on the case without very much fuller particulars than arc given, but in my experience there is almost always a reasonable explanation of these difficulties when the full facts are known. It is part of my duty to assist in adjusting troubles of this nature, and if firms who experience any difficulty in getting their wants supplied or their orders undertaken in Great Britain would consult me, I have no doubt that most of the difficulties would be overcome and much annoyance be avoided.