THE EMPIRE’S TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2156, 12 August 1907, Page 2

THE EMPIRE’S TRADE.

NOTHING TO FEAR FROM FOREIGNERS.

United Pros* Association— Copyrighl

LONDON, August 10. The Board of .Trade has issued a report based on material collooted on behalf of an • advisory committee by Mr. R. G. Jeffrey, Imperial Trade Commissi oner to Australia, who visted the Commonwealth last year, lie completed his report in January last. The Board of Trade’s report declares that tho statistics reveal substantially a comparative progress of foreign countries as contributors to Australian imports, but' the absence of reliable figures concerning the countries of origin to a certain extent makes any comparison misleading. There is evidence, however, which suggests that the gain of foreign countries is greater in appearance than in reality’. I There is nothing to suggest that Britain’s position is seriously menaced in tho great staple lines of cotI ton, iron, and steel goods. The reI port goes on to state:—“Regarding I woollens, the rivalry that British manufacturers experienced as having I arisen in Australia, Mr. Jeff ray conI aiders this competition is certain to I increase rapitllv. and that tho same I nar be expected in regard to boots, I shoes, hats, and mining machinery.” I The report concludes: —“British traI dors on the whole have deliberately I chosen to restrict themselves to a small number of (Treat main lines of production, leaving the smaller cheap lines largely to foreigners.” . Freights should be dealt with with a view to placing British and foreign importers to Australia on a greater equality’. Tho Tariff Commissioners’ report on sugar and confectionery, just issued, expresses the opinion that all interests would greatly benefit from the adoption of a system of preference, which by increasing sugar cultivation in the British Empire will give the consumer a larger choice of supply, rendering him less dependent upon foreign sugar, and securing the markets of the Empire for its own sugar producers and manufacturers.