COMMERCIAL MORALITY.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15894, 19 January 1924, Page 9

COMMERCIAL MORALITY.

JAPAN'S DIFFICULTIES.

TRADERS ALTERING METHODS. At the Chamber of Commerce luncheon ait Wellington Mr Michael Shattin gave a most Interesting address . on Japanese life in relation to com- -'■ merce and the diflicult.es the nation had to face in endeavouring to conform to modern business methods. M. Shattin explained that he wa* speaking with Ave years' business knowledge of Japan, and had left there after the big earthquake. It would be remembered that after the expulsion of Christianity from that country In the seventeenth century it was no! only closed to outside religions, but trail trade and commerce and interchange of people for over 200 years and it was not until 1853 that Japan was thrown open to the outside world again. The people were ignorant of trading methods, and, as a matter of fact, merchants were classed amongst the second lowest human strata in the country. With the influx of a class of trader from outside which possessed little honesty and less commercial morality, preying on the susceptibilities of the Japanese merchant, it was no wonder that their standard of trading was a low one and had given good reason for the reflections made by other countries on the methdds in vogue. One great obstacle to the maintenance of a high standard of rectitude In the fulfilment of trading obligations was the fact that goods required were manufactured by families, and it might take the output of a dozen families, residing at distances far apart, to fulfil a single order. This condition of things was not conducive to satisfactory' supplies. He detailed instances of dishonesty inflicted upon the Japanese by outside traders, especially in relation to gold and silver exchange, when the ratio was fixed at 1 to 5, instead of 1 to 15, quantities of gold being thus acquired at one-third the real value. Considerable alterations were being made in the trading operations, however, and everything was being done to impress upon the Japanese not only the advantage but the necessity of reforming the old methods of trade. Sir Alexander Matheson, representative of the Morning Post, said he' was personally interested in New Zealand's prosperity. So far as he could see the only commoditywe could send to Japan in any cniantity was wool, and Australia "filled the bill," because they could send their wool to Japan by a direct line of steamers, a position the Dominion was hardly likely to be in. THE 1924 OVERLAND. * BRITISH BUILT. LESS THAN TRAM FARE UPKEEP! Now every man of moderate means can own a real car. A handsome, quality Car with "limousine-riding" ease. With the New Overland you get away from d<Ufc or shop or counter, benefit your health, increase vastly your enjoyment, and freshen your mind.

The Overlar.d does 35 miles an hour on "pot-holes" roads without discomfort, thanks to its Triplix Springs. ... 30 miles to the gallon is Overland's "all-day-long" performance; 1000 miles to the gallon of oil. Upkeep, including tyres, renewals, cii; benzine —less-than-tramfare cost. Soo the nearest Overland Dealer, or write A. Hatrick and Co., Ltd., Wellington and Wangunui. Buy an Overland and realise the difference. See the local agents. Hamilton— J. pomeroy and Co., Ltd.; T&neatua — W. P. Neal; Rotorua—Taxi Motor Works.