The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1931. EMPIRE TRADE NEEDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1931. EMPIRE TRADE NEEDS.

The British Empire League recently entertained at luncheon, the Earl of Athlone on his return from South Africa to London. In the course of a speech Lord Athlone expressed the pleasure he had had in entertaining representatives of the Empire Parliamentary Delegation in 1924, the representatives of the Chambers of Commerce of the Empire in 1927, and not long ago the British Association, under the presidency of Sir Thomas Holland. These visits were all to the good, and did assist in welding, together the many peoples who made up the wonderful association of free nations by the friendships made during such visits. “I have- purposely used this expression ‘free nations.’ ’• because having the welfare of the Empire at heart, I realise the importance of recognising this ( fact in our dealings one with the other. I feel certain that though each one of the component »arts of this association of free nations may not always he in agreement, yet there is not one that dees not appreciate the important position and prestige which are theirs by right as members of the British Empire, under his Majesty the King. Turning to trade affairs the Earl spoke of the Prince of "Wales's talk to the business men of Manchester, and went on: “In 190] 1 had the honour of accompanying his Majesty the King on his long voyage of eight months in the Opliir. Many of you will remember hj.s speech at Guildhall on bis return, win n he used those memorable words, ‘ »\ ake up, England!’. Tt seems, also, necessary to have a ‘wake-up’ speech in each goiwration! Some of the older people J are accustomed to wear articles of clothing for many years, and are

loath to part with a garment which will not wear out. In. New Zealand

a business man told me that a traveller produced some boots to be sold at 30s a pair, and when told that they wanted hoots at 12s Gd because people only wished to wear thorn a few months, the answer was ‘We make articles that list.’ Nowadays, we must remember the young generation do rot rerpiiro clothes to last so long, because they prefer more constant changes,, f know British manufacturers are second to none, hut it purchaser? prefer the olmaoer and inferior articl’s, lor g-'oclncvs’ sake let us fall into line and keep the- market. In South Africa there are practically no English cars, but thousands of cheap American cars are shipped weekly to be assembled at tile coast towns, and although there Is a <:Uvi re to Inly British goods the price Is nft-eti prohibitive. Compl hits liavb been made about South Africa not buying engines in Jhigiand, hut t must point out that it is a little difficult if the difference hi price- Citifies to -£•30,000 -or £40,000. t am glad to say, however, that South Africa lia* boon buying larger quamtities of materials from this country. “I am not one of those who worry in the slightest about the Empire. 1 know there has been a feeling that cvervbody L getting a little too much freedom, but T feel if we give people freedom there is far more chance of their realising that freedom carries resoon.sibildie.s. and that we are really a brotherhood constituted of different parts of tlm Empire. That the British Em"ire is ore of the greatest assets t"- civilisation is. I think, generally realised.”