THE WAR'S LESSONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 302, 31 May 1915, Page 4

THE WAR'S LESSONS.

■ j CAPTURE OP GERMAN TRADE. \ SIR WILLIAM LEVER'S VIEW. ; Sir William Lever, presiding recently ut the annual meeting of tlio London Commercial Travellers' Association, said they heard a good deal about capturing Gorman trade. When they talked in a narrow way of antagonism with the enemies of their country, they must not let the war obacurc their view of the fact ~ that countries were dependent upon each other in regard to commerce. People in England have slipped hopelessly behind the position of their fore-. fathers of a century ago, when ovary man was prepared for his occupation by apprenticeship. Wo had the finest materials the world has ever seen in the mentality, energy, originality, or brain power, and all attributes that made for leadership or advance. But we had been careless and indifferent in the training of them, because our governing classes were—no years ago at any rate —entirely cut oir from trade and commerce, and the technical training required to fit our" youths lor the highest positions in scien-, ti/ic management and the conduct of business had been neglected. If wo wore to capture German trade it could only be by offering a superior and suitable article at, the better price. If we concentrated on more scientific attainments, and found our business outlook enlarged, then we should have learned a useful lesson from / the war. When it was over he liopcd all bitterness and hatred would pass, and we should bo as ready to trade with any nation that could sell the best goods at the lowest price, flood would come of tli is war, end England would be a greater nation than ever.