INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16174, 27 December 1924, Page 5

INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

THE YEAR REVIEWED:

SOLID FOUNDATION LA1D. ,,„..,.,

GENERAL, STEADY RESTORATION.

(Australian and. N.Z.. Cable.-Assn.) Received December 27,. 9.30 a.m. LONDON, December 26...

. The Observer, commenting on the international trade revisal in 1924, points out that the fervent hopes of a large section of British industry were not fulfilled, although the year has been productive of more real progress in building a solid foundation for-the general improvement of the world'si economic conditions than any year since the Armistice. The Dawes.plan, the defeat of the Radicals; at the pplls in Britain, and the curbing of the Communist propaganda-in France,-'has brought a return of confidence, the lack of which had previously retarded a post-war recovery. This is evidenced by the rise in sterling. There is a deep-rooted feeling that Britain is fairly and finally on the way to a steady restoration of the trad-3 and economic position. .It is believed that the improvement in sterling will be consolidated by the real backing of an increased trade balance, and that the pound will reach par in dollars at an early date, and progress will be made toward a return to ""the gold standard.

There, arc, however, flies in th? ointment. The financial position _ iii France is viewed with .some anxiety, because the measures "taken to improve the value'"of-; the franc have not resulted as well as was hoped, and further, the" French Government borrowing has given rise.,to. apprehension.