The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1930. TRADE RIVALRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1930. TRADE RIVALRY.

Thkkk is no douot tliat Argentina a very pronounced rival to those parts of the Empire providing primary product for Great Britain. At Buenos Aires, the capital, there is established a British Chamber of Commerce which issues a monthly Journal dealing with the trade of the Argentine Tne September number, just to hand, reviews in a well satisfied atmosphere, the revolution which took place eaily in the month, whereby a change of Government had been brought about, and very popularly received. The fxG'uvKsrnment was one of “muddling in competence,” and was responsible for “many of the difficulties which weighed upon the import trade in the past two years.” In fact tile late Government wrn not able to pay its way, and owed almost fabulous sums to importing firms for supplies. The Journal regarded as “excellent in every way the decision of the Ministry of Finance to pay as much as possible” on account of the accumulated arrears for debts contracted by

the preceding Department. Th o general relief felt by the change of government was emphasised also by the calmness with which the coup was brought about. When the new President took the oath the largest assemblage on record at such a ceremony was present filling the Plaza Mayo, and extending into the fine sweep leading up from the Pasco Colon, while “there was not a policeman to he found anywhere, nor wore they necessary, even for the purpose of traffic direction. - ’ The country contains a net work of railways, built in the main by British capital and controlled by British management. It is a very fine service, and the shape of the country lends itself to profitable railway traffic. The statement has gone out that the British capital invested in the railways of the Argentine totals upwards of six hundred millions sterling. This point is manifested . somewhat by a statement in the issue of the Journal under notice, that “Great Britain at the present time is Argentina’s most important market for her natural produce.” The Chamber of which the Journal is the mouthpiece, also claims having “played a not inconsiderable part in assisting towards the smooth working of the import trade, which constitutes (it addfe significantly) in large measures the return current that derives from the main stream of Argentine exoorts.” As dealing with the trading side of the country’s possibilities, the Join rial records a visit or a mission from Sheffield, England, to push the wares of that wonderful metropolitan Empire centre. The mission had a remarkable reception, and no doubt trade would be advanced to the utmost. Very soon the British Empire Trade Exhibiti ra is to be held, and the importance of this forthcoming events is emphasised by the fact that the Prince of Wales in to open what promises to be a great exposition. Evidence that he realises (he import of his mission is also available in the fact that the Prince has learned Spanish so as to address the populace in the common vernacular. At the Exhibition, Britain is to make a great bid for the motor trade in Argentina, at present mainly in the hands of the United States. Nineteen British firms will co-operate in the special motor display which will occupy lalone 30,900 feet of space, and include among the exhibits the “Golden Arrow,” the British, car used by the late Sir Henry Segrave wlrch secured the world’s speed record, 'the “Golden Arrow” was displayed lately in Australia and New Zealand. From what has been indicated in the loregoing, Argentina will continue a formidable trading rival to Canada, Australia and New Zealand in Groat Britain, where so much colonial produce finds an outlet. Although without the Empire boundaries, the amount of British capital invested in the country and is business openings, the Argentina its very much within tlie material Empire. On that ' account the country will remain an obstacle to colohial preference pure- a,id simple, and will continue indefinitely a rival to he taken into account In the marketing of all lines of produce It is a great country in many respects and capable of being a very formidable rival, New Zealand must continue prepared to meet this situation with goods that are the best and placed on the English market in the best condition to attract attention. <