SEEING AUCKLAND DESPITE THE RAIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 64, 7 June 1927, Page 13

SEEING AUCKLAND

DESPITE THE RAIN

MOTOR DELEGATES ENTERTAINED GRAND HOTEL LUNCHEON “JF we are going to stand together as an Empire we simply must trade together,’’ Sir ArchibaW Boyd-Carpenter, M.P., head of the British Motor Trade Delegation, informed Auckland motor traders at luncheon at the Grand Hotel to-day. Some of the criticism against British cars had been justified, he said, and British manufacturers were prepared to admit that fact. “We are not here to lay down conditions,” said Sir Archibald in reference to his mission, “we are here to observe them.” Sir Archibald, Lieutenant-Colonel Hacking, and Mr. A. R. Fenn, technical adviser, were the guests of the Auckland Motor Traders’ Association at luncheon at the Grand Hotel. Mr. F. G. Farrell, the association president, welcomed the English visitors to Auckland on behalf of the motor trading interests. Mr. L. Beale, the British Trade Commissioner for New Zealand, and Mr. J. W. Collins, of the Department of Industries and Commerce, were among other guests. After luncheon the visitors were motored to Titirangi and other points of vantage in the district. Despite the rain the visitors were enthusiastic in their praises of Auckland. Sir Archibald Boyd Carpenter, who represents Coventry, the largest English constituency, in the House of Commons, explained that he had every intention of accompanying the Imperial Parliamentary Delegation last year, but at the last moment was prevented from doing so. “However, I have taken the very first opportunity I could to see New Zealand,” said Sir Archibald, “and I believe that I will have an interesting and profitable time here.” Sir Archibald Boyd-Carpenter said British manufacturers were well aware that New Zealanders were only buying 11 per cent of Brtish cars insteads of 40 odd per cent in 1911. He was well aware that there must be some reason for it, and that was why the mission was investigating trading conditions in this country. Personally, he deeply regretted that the visit had not been longer. Through being pressed for time South Africa had to be omitted altogether from the tour of the delegation. Sir Archibald made a strong plea tor trading within the Empire. He regretted that he.could not touch upon wider aspects of the scope of the delegation’s activities as the occasion was not suitable, but sincerely hoped that Auckland traders would realise that trade iwth the Home country was essential if the Empire was to exist. “We hope that your visit will bring the manufacturers at Home in closer touch with the overseas markets,” said Mr. Farrell, who declared that New Zealand had one car to every 14 citizens. Each year since the war had shown a bigger increase in trade, and New Zealand consumers wanted that trade to increase. “We hope that your visit will bring the manufacturers at Home in closer touch with the overseas markets," said Mr. Farrell, who declared ttiat New Zealand had one car to every 14 citizens. Each year since the war had shown a bigger increase in trade, and New Zealand consumers wanted that trade to increase. “I feel that a result of the delegation’s visit will mean evolutionary changes over a period of years,” said Mr. G. H. Scott. “A warm welcome would meet the delegation,” said the British Trade Commissioner, “from the head of the Government to the smallest garagekeeper.” “ There is no doubt about the supremacy of our race, and I feel that the visit of the delegation is 1 an incation on the part of our British manufacturers that they will recover to the position they have so proudly held for so long,” said Mr. Beale. (Proceeding)