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Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1926, Page 2

Tin; British Imperial Council of Commerce founded in 1911 speaks for British Chambers of Commerce throughout the Empire and foreign countries. In a discussion upon the development of Empire trade with special reference to the finding contained in 'the First Report of the Imperial Economic Committee, the chairman of the Council. Sir Edward Dawson, said that the continual decrease in export trade was the life blood, of Great Britain, and its diminution struck at the Empire’s heart.' However, there was a gradually increasing realisation of the need to foster Empire trade, and this was encouraging, providing that the idea was given practical shape and carried beyond mere expressions of aspirations. It seemed to him that the general principle of increasing trade within the Empire could be carried on without losing any foreign trade. At present self governing Dominions purchased £6 17s 3d worth of British products per bead of population, whereas the best of oilier markets, South America, purchased 18s worth per head. If then, they could develop the Dominions and colonies by assisting through immigration in increasing their populations, and by encouraging the production and marketing of their commodities, not only would they create an increasing demand in assured markets for manufactures of . Great Britain, but ihe resultant increase in output would reduce the cost of production and so equip them better for the competition they had to face in foreign markets.