THE EMPIRE’S TRADE

Shannon News, 20 July 1926, Page 4

THE EMPIRE’S TRADE

AUSTRALIAN PROTECTION. FRENCH GOODS IN DOMINION. LONDON, June 5. Questions bearing upon restrictions of trade with Australia and ‘New Zealand were discussed at a meeting of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce. A communication from the Associated British Chambers of Commerce pointed out that Mr. R. W. Knox, president of the Association' of British Manufacturers in Australia, who is in England with a view to bringing the work of the association before the attention of manufacturers, would be glad to address the members of the Leeds chamber.

The presidents, Mr. J. H. Portway, remarked that in respect of the woollen trade, Australia had closed the door; but there were other industries that had not been shut out; and, if they had resources at their command, the association might bring 1 help to bear at times when it was possible to get concessions.

Mr David Little said the time to act was when tariff alterations on the .other side were being considered. ‘‘We generally too late,” he obscerved. Undoubtedly the intention the intention is to develop Australia, as far as they can, into a hom-pro-ducing country.

Mr. G. Winterbotlom said that some time ago he met the Trade Commissioner, who said it was no use worrying about Australia, as he would not be allowed to send goods, because the Australians were making them far themselves, and that if a 35 per cent, duty would not keep him out, it would be put up to GO, or even 80 per cent. T used to send half my productions to Australia,” said Mr. Winterbottom, ‘‘l do , not send one pennyworth now, and I dare say there are other countries in the same position.”

Mr. T. F. Braime said the Australians had deliberately set out to protect themselves in the future. They felt that the only way to raise a white British j>opulation was by encouraging industries in both Australia and New Zealand. In his own trade they had competition in Adelaide and another city, and big plants had been put down from this coun-' try. He regarded the question of group settlement in Australia as nothing less than a policy for getting a population already skilled ,and thus able to go into mills that could be built at six or 12 months’ notice. Messrs. W. E. Yates, Limited, worsted manufacturers, sent to the chamber a copy of a letter received from one of their customers in Wellington. It pointed out that French manufacturers were attacking the New Zealand market with textiles, and that, owing to the depreciation of the franc, they were able to land x goods Is 6d to 2s cheaper than slpii- * lar goods could be landed from Great Britain. ‘‘Though you are protected with a 15 per cent. preferential tariff," said the letter, ‘‘they can apparently get in under your price.” The secretary was’ instructed to communicate with the Colonial Office on the subject. =