The Guardian (And Evening Star. with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, APRIL 9th, 1923. EMPIRE TRADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening St ar. with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, APRIL 9th, 1923. EMPIRE TRADE.

Tiikuk is one aspect of the forthcoming Exhibition worthy of .special consideration and some sacrifice to ensure the main result aimed at—namely the iealisation of Empire trade. Although a state of military war still over shadows the world, tin- real war of the very immediate future is that to be governed by enmmereial considerations. The world is over burdened with debt, and the debt can be redeemed only by work, and the sale of the products of work. Great Britain is making a nnlile effort to redeem her debt and to liquidate over w period of years the enormous sum owing to the I'nited States, The sneeess of this high impulse can he assured only by an aeeessiou to the volume of British trade. ’When, in the not distant future, it is hoped. France and (iermany come to some mrangemen t other than the present military antagonism displayed, and Germany begins to pay up. she must do so entirely through trade channels. What will he the effect, of that rivalry on British trade? For the moment, no doubt, Britain derives a, benefit to her trade by Germany and France, Loth drawing ecu! from Great Britain, hut when matters are again normal on the Continent, their own national resources may suffice, and Britain will then he without tho orders. But it is essential for many reasons governing the future of the Empire, that British and inter-eolonial trade should be on n safe and sound basis. The local exhibition to be held hero in December—January next, is to he a British and Intercolonial Exhibition, and it i- designed to serve, in the main, the great purpose for which there is the very pressing need—the stabilising of Empire trade. Next year there is to he at Homo a huge Imperial exhibition designed absolutely for a similar purpose. And it i.s highly necessary to take this important national course. In penning “Studies in Empire Trade", a writer who lias given some ten years of research and study to the subject, has gone very deeply and thoroughly into tho subject. Discussing the probabilities of permanence for the British Empire, the author states that there must he a spirit of unity throughout- the Empire, which will place at its disposal at any moment of gravity all the physical force of the confederated nations for action of offence or defence. “No empire is at any moment safe if it has to provide for the repression of dissatisfaction within when preparing to meet rivals or foes.” The writer expresses the opinion that one of the strongest ties for unity is freedom of trade between the different parts of the Empire, thus creating a spirit of common interest in time of danger. Free trade within the Empire, he further adds, would get rid of one of the most dangerous causes of friction and decay, the jealousy felt lest the products of the less wealthy countries should interfere with the prosperity of the richer pans. Tho great success of the East India Company, it is pointed out, is accounted for by the fact that instead of striving after political power they recognised that success in trade was the only sure foundation of their existence, “ignoring the fallacy that trade follows the flag.” Their success was also due to the geographical position of the British Isles. Tho opening of the Suez and Panama canals, however have completely altered the position. Now, in. stead of being on the nearest point of the road to the East, Marseilles, Barcelona and Trieste on the one side and New Orleans and Charleston on tho other, outsail the British ships. Nearness, tlie short pull, counts for overy-

tiling in trade. The writer might well fitters-. “Can wo hold our own with tlie Mediterranean people? Or will the Turks, with their Frenc.lt allies, again close the trade routes across Asia and force us to go round by the Cape ?’’ Here, then, are some thoughts to ponder over. The situation, governed as it is by a very uncertain future, calls for the closest loyalty to trade within the Empire, and for everything that will contribute to that end. Last week it was pointed out very plainly by the I’iitne Minister of the Commonwealth, how disloyal England was to the Australian meat market, by giving the bulk of the trade to Argentine. A great issue is at stake and it is essentially an Empire wide subject for consideration. Every part may help, and there is an obligation here to promote to the fullest extent the success of the British and Intercolonial Exhibition which will ho some contribution no doubt towards gaining Hie end iu view—the necessary increase cf trade within the Empire.