THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 1923. MADE IN GERMANY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4534, 2 March 1923, Page 2

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. Motto: Public Service. MONDAY. WEDNESDAY. & FRIDAY. FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 1923. MADE IN GERMANY

The recent announcement by the Minister of Customs,, that resumption of trade with Germany will come into force as from September 1 next, makes interesting reading. His further remarks, however,, are somewhat illogical. The statements, for instance, that “the necessity for six months' notice arises from the fact that trades and merchants will require time to adjust their commitments,’’ and that “it has been increasingly obvious for some time that German goods are coming into New Zealand through other countries,’’-are difficult to reconcile. As a matter of fact, merchants’ commitments cannot affect the question at all. That is merely “flapdoodle,” camouflage to hide the real reasons. To every patriotic New Zealander it will,, at least for some time, be exceedingly distasteful to know that Germany is again to have the opportunity of making good by Britishers’ trade. In fact, many really sincere Britishers will undoubtedly reject goods “made in Germany,” no matter at what price they may be offering. At the sam.J time, it, is an unwritten law in the scheme of things that no one nation can indefinitely be boycotted—especially when it owes money—hence we have to accept the inevitable, whether with good grace or bad. If that is so, and it is admitted that we are now getting German goods through other countries (and therefore paying an extra middleman), why the announcement, of resumption in six months’ time ? For some time past German drugs have been used in Government institutions. If the importation of one thing is sanctioned, why not another ? Everyone will regret that the resumption of trade with Germany is necessary—but the fact that the commitments of a few merchants is advanced as an excuse for delay (when the present arrival of German goods proves that the “delay” is not real) is an almost greater rea-

son for regret. It does not. indicate sincerity. On the other hand, it does indicate that merchants intend doing considerable trade with Germany, else why should their commitments affect the situation. It amounts to a simple sum—an excellent problem for a sixth standard British Schoolboy. If it takes New Zealand merchants six months to adjust their commitments before they can trade with Germany, what amount of “made in Germay” goods do they intend to import, ? Apparently the words “Lest we forget’’ were intended only for wartimes,