TARANAKI BUSINESS MEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 898, 15 February 1930, Page 6

TARANAKI BUSINESS MEN

VISIT TO TE KUITI From Our Own Correspondent TE KUITI, Friday. Members of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce who are at present on tour were entertained by the Te Kuiti Chamber at a social in the Municipal Hall, Te Kuiti, on Thursday evening. Mr. S. R. Craig, president, presided. In welcoming the visitors, the chairman said that there were many of their number who had been of great assistance to the district in cooperating with the local chamber on various questions, especially roading. Mr. H. T. Morton, in proposing the toast of “Commercial Interests.” coupled with it the name of H.M. Trade Commissioner, Mr. L. A. Paish, 0.8. E., who is accompanying the party. Mr. Morton said this was an important question, in so far as it had a direct relation to the farmers of the country, who were engaged in a most important part of commerce, and whose wealth, were it not for commercial interests, would be non-existent. Farming and commercial interests were interwoven, and co-operation was essential for the well-being and advancement of both. In replying, Mr. Paish explained the object) of his stay in New Zealand, and said a lot of misunderstanding existed at Home regarding trade conditions in New Zealand, and he wished as far as possible to remove this. There was an impression that unemployment in Britain was attributable to free trade. England was a great primary producing country, but was unable to produce sufficient for its needs. Her exports consisted of manufactured goods, therefore it was essential to import raw materials from other countries. Mr. Paish concluded by exhorting New Zealand to “buy Imperially,” and gave an optimistic review of the industrial revival at Home. A number of other toasts were also honoured. During the evening Messrs. Shakes, Blackman, and Swift entertained the company with a varied musical programme.