RECONSTRUCTION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 244, 9 July 1920, Page 7

RECONSTRUCTION

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN BRITAIN

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRADE PROSPERITY By Telegraph-Press ABBociation-Oopyrlght London, July 7. Mr. Stuart M'Gregor, British Trade Commissioner in Australia, has returned to London after comprehensive inquiries in Britain. Ho states that ho finds British progress in reconstruction and resettlement most satisfactory in tho circumstances. It is fiurprising that there has been industrial unrest after the ordeal of tho war, but it is hoped thai. when tho war-weariness has 1 worn o'f, the shorter.hours and improved 'conditions of labour will result in greatly ipcreased prc.dnctlon per unit. Tho country is cxpruencing great internal and ixtcrn.il trade prosperity. The exports in Cvo months of 1920 were at the rate <f J?l.. e .2f,000,000 per annum, compared wi;u in 1913. The foruwr figv.ro included .£1,250,000,000 as the value of goods produced or manufactured in tho United Kingdom. Regarding tlie .prices of manufactured goods, Mr. M'Gregor states that it is felt in many charters that the present prices are beginning to restrict consumption throughout the world, and prices will tend to fall; but a slump in Britain is not anticipated. The iintmcial position in tho United Kingdom does not causo any anxiety. Mr. M'Gregor says he considors that Australia's national policy of fostering manufactures is not only essential to the progress and safety of Australia, but should result in increased trade with tho Mother Country. It was inevitable that the United Kingdom's exports ,to Australia should have decreased in wartime, to tho advantage of America and Japan; but he hoped tlie current year would show nu improvement ironi tuo British point of view. Mr. M'Gregor speaks very favourably of the Commonwealth Bureau of Commerce and Industry, and says ho believes it should prove a valuable factor in fostering the primary and manufacturing industries and Australia's overseas trade.

In a comprehensive article the Board* of Trade Journal surveys Australia's progress, and draws attention to its increased trade with the other Dominions and possessions, which has more than doubled in. the past four years. It considers that British manufacturers should improve their conimorei.il organisation in order to cope with their American rivals, whose enterprise appeals to Australians and is likely to make America a serious competitor' with Britain when she gains greater experience of. the overseas trade. The Journal considers that the .Trado Commissioner in Australia has done extremely useful practical work, of mutual benefit to Australia and Great Britain.

The Commissioner pays a tribute to the virility and enterprise of Australia in developing its resources. There is ample room for them, while at the Bame time 6ho increases her demands for .British high-grade manufactures. Australians future prospects are bright, and she is destined to become one of the strongest links in the c]iaia of nations of tho British Commonwealth.' Mr. M'Gregor, who is also the Indian Government's commercial representativs in Australia, is to 'leave London early in October, and will travel via India, • the Straits Settlements, and New Guinea.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn. imperiaFSprocity URGED BY SIR THOMAS MACKENZIE. London, July 7, ■ At a farewell dinner, given by tho Imperial Industries Club, Sir Thomas Mackenzie urged Imperial- reciprocal trade arrangements. Ho described tho New Zealand tariff in favour of Great Britain, and against the late enemies, and said New Zealand recognised that spending money with peoplo who might again bo our enemies only assisted in building them up for aggression.—Au6.N.Z. Cable Assn.