BRITAIN’S BURDEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1924, Page 4

BRITAIN’S BURDEN.

It KM Alt KAI’.I.K AC 111 FA'KM KNTS WKIJ.IXCTHN June Hi.

“Over live years have passed since the signing of the Armistice and many people express surprise and disappointment that Knglaiid ha- not recovered in a larger measure her pre-war po-i----tion at Home and abroad,’’ said Mr (J. 11. Suit, president vii the New Zealand Association of lirilish Maniilacturers, in his address at the annual meeting. ‘•Such a viewpoint is the outcome chielly ill a lack of knowledge regarding the gigantic task that Kngland has faced since ISMS.

••it, musl not he overlooked that Kiiglaud's efforts in this direction necessitated that, because of her position and standing among the world Powers, and because of the world-wide influence of Knglnnd's linance and commerce, site should take a very important part in assisting to settle some ol the postwar problems ot tin* nations which are her competitors in trade and commerce. Ctinsei|nenlly Kiiglaud's position among the Kiirupcnn nations has continued since JIMS to he most complex and extraordinary. Kiiglaud’s national debt in -March ftlst. was £i .(iSOOOtl.OU:). Her annual interest hill is nnprnxillialely £:',(I7.<)()H.O:IU. While piling no this tremendous national liability Knglaiii! has honoured every otiligalion undertaken in connection with Per war elfnrls. The huge sum mentioned includes war loans which she i» unable to collect. Without doubt, her

position is unMjm*. Air Scott referred to the snlendid efforts that were made made. He said these matters had a vital hearing upon the prices which New Zealand received for her primary products. The burden carried by Croat Britain reduced the purchasing power of her population They must marvel that Britain Mill had a surplus of cash to lend to the dominions. Front the most selfish of /motives it behoved them to support her in their purchases. “Alore than this, he said, “we should see to it that our trading basis with the other nations and other dominion*;, especially the T.uropean countries referred to. leave'an rquilabe basis for Britain to compete on our markets.”