FOR THE EMPIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1922, Page 3

FOR THE EMPIRE.

TREND OF TRADE

AUSTRALIAN AND. N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 16. Hon Amery in an article in the Sunday Express entitled “Turn from Europe,” says, the European market was not, even before the war, our most / important market. Our total exports in 1913 to our late enemies and Russia wer only valued at ninety seven millions, compared with 209 millions to the Empire. Whatever may have been the value of European trade before the war, it is .pound to be diminished for many years to come by the impoverishment of Europe by the new political divisions which have cut right across the natural lines of economic development, and by political and social unrest. Furthermore every one ot these countries, in order to find revenue and shelter the national industries against wild fluctuations of exchange, is bound ' to fix its tariff rates far higher than ‘before the war. Therefore it is idle to imagine that we can look to European trade to help us out of the serious economic condition in which the war has left us. My view in we should not worry unduly about Europe, mit should throw ourselves wholeheartedly into the task of developing the immense resorces of the British Empire. The way to do it will come easily enough, if only we have the will ; tin, . is if we are prepared to do the thing. hcceSsary to, carry out oui purposi without inquiring at eVefv step whether it suits, the traditions of this or that party, in the state, interests of tin so, that particular trade, or locality. Tljo article emphasises the necessity of a revival of the flow of emigration from Britain to develop the temperate iegions of the Empire, and development of tropical subtropical regions, byrailways, harbours, and pubbe workof all kinds. To secure a full return from these policies, they must lie no eompanied by an effective policy o Imperial preference, not merely m customs duties, though I attach ' greatest importance to that, nnl , should like to see the existing system of customs preference in this counti widely extended, but also preference in stamp duties and other taxes on investment of capital, as well as preference in fostering shipping on Empire routes and fostering airship services along these routes.