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Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1925, Page 2

With the suggestion that a new Asia is growing up there is an interesting and informative article dealing in some detail with the economic transformation that is taking place in Japan. China, India and other Asiatic countries published in a recent issue of “Commerce Reports’’ (Washington R.C.) From this it appears that so far as Japan is concerned market prices are now well aliovc cost of production, and are more or loss stable, and, on account of lessons learned during the post-war depression. manufacturers may make a concentrated effort to build up strong units in such industries as electrical supplies, cotton textiles (depending more and more on Korean and Chinese raw cotton), silk textiles of the cheaper grades, matches, toys, and cheaper glassware, and an abandonment of more ambitious projects in the iron and steel, machinery, automotive, railway equipment, and similar fields, except such Government mills and workshops as are deemed necessary for national welfare. The position of the import trade in China is such that, while textiles represent JO per cent, of the total imports, the machinery with which to manufacture them in China, the iron and steel necessary to build the modern factories, and the large demands for other manufactured goods, following inevitably in the wake of industrial development, have turned the general merchant into a sjiecialist, because most of these lines need more specialized treatment )ban textiles. The tendency among foreign manufacturers is becoming stronger to deal direct with Chinese distributors, although in such lines as machinery, for example, foreign intermediaries in the ports "ill he needed for some years to come, both to finance ami lo give service on individual sales. The old general import and export house with hundreds of varied agencies is therefore being transformed into a house specializing in the output of a dozen allied industries, with direct representatives from the manufacturer giving service under the supervision of a loud manager who attends to linaneing and delivery. In regard to India, which came out ol tlie war wit a givatlv increased agricultural production and strengthened industrial growth, in many lilacs of manufacture she is 1111dnubtcdly at Iho beginning ol a great development. \\ i.h a.great domestic market, plentiful supplies of jute, cotton, coal. oil. manganese and iron ore. and adequate labour supply, a wiso proled ive policy will ila- article states strengthen India and raise the standard of living so ;r, 10 | rovide a wider market lor imported specialities. I here arc large amounts of capital in the interior of India, mostly in bullion or jewels, and as soon as there arc evidences of lasting political stability, such as now seems practically assured, this capital will seek employment in expanding the numerous industrial and agricultural activities which already have proved so profitable. Demands lor machinery and implements will then mine from all parts ol the Peninsular.

Till.; result of the Westland election which has been in doubt for a fortnight was made known yesterday afternoon when the news circulated that the candidates being equal, (lie Returning oUlcer had given his easting vote in favor of Mr .Seddon who was declared elected. The provision of the act is where there is an equality of votes, and the addition of a tote would entitle one candidate in be elected, the Returning Ollieer (whether an elector or not) shall give a (listing vote. Tn exercising this privilege Mr Coles stated very fairly that not having voted in the election already, lie would give bis (listing vote a> though exercising 111. own v! (I e at Ihe poll, nod the vote went io Mr Seddon. ’I he result ol the election was thus as close as it possibly could be. and no doubt tlie result will lie the theme of conversation all round the Dominion. There was a very heavy poll - with the (19 informal votes a total of 8121 votes wore east altogether, leaving only 509 votes not recorded. The closeness of the polling with so great a mimher of votes is therefore remarkable. In selecting Mr Seddon as iho representative we believe the electorate has done the right thing from every point- of view. There were those no doubt- who did not vote for Mr Seddon. yet who will he glad to see him duly elected. His service for the country, and the association of liis family with New Zealand, give him a claim few others in the Dominion possess. Mr O'Brien was a hard working member, and as such he won a good deal of his increased support, yet allied with a party which is not in favor, it is not- surprising to see him defeated. But the vote lie received is something of a surprise to us. though it is certainly a compliment to Mr O'Brien, all things considered. At the same time the return of Mr Seddon to Parliament is sunething to he proud of. So far as Westland is concerned, a duty has been performed which was in keeping with its traditions. There is every reason to believe Mr Seddon will represent the district well and faithfully. The Prime Minister was anxious to see Mr Seddon hack in the House, and that wish being gratified there is no doubt that Mr Seddon will tie able to do the district a useful service. The result should in point of fact he much to the benefit of Westland as a whole, for Mr Seddon is held in the greatest esteem in all walks of life, and will he a welcome figure in all circles. Mr Seddon will well and happily represent Westland in Parliament and in the public life of the country.