EMPIRE SENTIMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 23 November 1927, Page 3

EMPIRE SENTIMENT

CHANGE SINCE THE WAR NEW ZEALAND PREFERENCE ENGLAND APPRECIATION. Auckland, Nov. 22. At a luncheon arranged by the Chamber of Commerce, the Employers’ Association and the Manufacturers’ Association in honour of the Hon. L. M. Amery, Sir Francis Bell paid a tribute to the success which the guest of honour had achieved in his present high office, more especially by his wisdom in overcoming the difficulties of distance between the Motherland and the Empire’s territory overseas. Mr. Amery, who was presented with a large cake in honour of his birthday. spoke of the change in Empire sentiment which had come about during the war. In recent times many new reciprocal treaties had been entered into within the Empire and no more remarkable preference had been given than that which had been given by New Zealand (Applause). “You are now giving an immense measure of preference,” added the speaker, “which is deeply appreciated by the hard pressed people at home. We do appreciate the fact that in proportion to population New Zealand is the largest buyer of British goods, and on our side, I may say, Britain is practically unanimous in realsing the value of Empire Trade.” (Applause). FOSTERING OF TRADE. Dealing with the fostering of Empire trade, Mr. Amery remarked that one could not get the British purchaser to take a bad article at a good price, but given the quality, the Home Government could undoubtedly do much to help in the way of arranging “Empire Shopping Weeks” with a view to getting him or her (and the “her” was the most important factor) to get into the habit of asking for Empire goods. He believed the dominions had felt the benefit of th work done at Wembley and since in the wav of promoting Empire produce. (Applause). Mr. Amery received numerous deputations during the day and was the guest of the Auckland Chib at an “at home” in the afternoon and of the Northern Club at a dinner. He leaves to-morrow morning for Waharoa to visit the Ruakura Experimental Farm, then motoring to Hamilton and joining the train at Frankton Junction for Hangatiki. He will then motor to the Waitomo Caves and after inspection the glow worm cave will return to the train at Hangatiki for the night. Next day he will go to Te Kuiti and motor from there to New Plymouth.