PRINCE OF WALES

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1927, Page 1

PRINCE OF WALES

AS TRADE ADVISER. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] DONDOX, Feb. 21. Tlio l’rince of Wales was the principal guest at the British Industries Fair Banquet at the Mansion House. In a speech the Prince emphasised that the British manufacturers and traders to-day were in more cheerful spirit than in 1926, when a cloud was on the horizon, which eventually burst. Nevertheless the severe loss to the export trade was borne without serious consequence, proving the strength and stability of their commercial and financial character. “I am glad,” he said, “to see the tendency of the industrialists to inspect foreign methods from which much might be learned, even if many of their ways are impracticable. My travels have produced one or two industrial impressions which might T>e useful in the solution of Britain’s great industrial problem. Firstly, there is the concentration' of units, assisting in the lowering of the cost of production. Modern conditions necessitated a closer federation of industries for the purpose of exploring and expanding

mutual interests, enabling the best brains to bo used in the common interest, and giving young men greater opportunities. Secondly, standardisation is essential, although often involving a sinking of personal pride that is bound up with tradition and individual caprice. Moreover, we must- not lose sight of the importance of maintaining a high standard of living. Britain must adopt, adapt, improve and he ready when the common good demands it to modify her traditional conservation and her cherished' procedure, where necessary, whether it ho the privilges of employers or practice of the workers.’’ The Prince of Wales emphasised the importance of salesmanship, which really was a science for which some day a school might be established. He' recalled having received a letter from the Argentine pointing out that a man went to an up-country store to buy a tin of paint. He refused British paint because the directions were printed only in English, and ho bought German paint, on which the directions were printed in Spanish. The Prince added : “It is good that Britishers should think how strongly both the Motherland and the Dominion tide is flowing in favour of buying wherever possible British goods. Undoubtedly the habit of thinking in Empire products was growing. He hoped the visitors would especially note the Marketing Board’s exhibit, which was representative of Empire foodstuffs.