THE PANAMA EXHIBITION.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1987, 18 February 1914, Page 6

THE PANAMA EXHIBITION.

—,—, —e*—; In view of the possibilities of increasing our trade with the United States arising out of the operation of the new American tariff and the opening of t' c Pa.nama Canal, the Piume Minister's announcement that the Government has decided to spend £15,000 in making an attractive display <)f our products at the Panama Exhibition will meet with general approval. It is certainly an opportune time for bringing resources in as striking a manner as possible under £ho, notice of the people of the United States and the foreign visitors to the great show, and it is to bo hoped that our cxhibit will be an impressive and characteristic one in every way worthy of the Dominion.- It is true- that Great- Britajn has so far declined to be officially represented, but thab need not concern us, and in any case a strong effort is being made to induce tils British Government, to change its mind in this matter. Many people- think that now that the Panama tolls ciuesiion appears likely to be settled in a manner favourable to Britain, and in view of the coming celebration of the hundred years' peace, it would be a pity to give ground for any ill-feeling by refusing to send a British exhibit. Although the Imperial Government has made it quite clear that its decision has no political significance, it- is still ■ felt that Britain's action in standing aloof would lm liable to misconstruction, and might be the cause of. some sorcitess. By the expenditure ■of £15,Q00 Now Zealand ought to he able to make a very, fair display which should be a really good advertisement for our products, and may bo the means of opening up new avenues of trade. The Panama Canal will eause great changes ia the maritime rentes of tho World, and may result- in a , considerable alteration in the c-Qjnmer* oiaj relations between various countries. New Zealand should, therefore, make ttsd of cWry opportunity at the present juncture of profiting . by the new era which, tho opening of the canal is ..expected to introduce. . .