BRITISH TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 December 1919, Page VI

BRITISH TRADE.

EMPIRE DEVELOPMENT. COMPETITION OF AMERICA. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 8, 12.30 a.m.

London, Dec. 4. Sir Newton Moore gave a luncheon for Sir Hamar Greenwood (Secretary of the Overseas Trade Department) 'in the House of Commons, Mr. L. C. M, Amery (Under-Secretary for the Colonies), Sir Thomas Mackenzie and the oversea agents were present. Sir Newton Moore congratulated the Government on establishing the department, from which quick decisions could be obtained. This .fas formerly impossible, owing to the overlapping of departments. America was extremely active in canvassing trade centres where formerly Britain had no rival. He ur»ed that the overseas representatives should he regularly consulted in regard to trade matters.

Sir Hamar Greenwood, in Toplving said that the Americans were our fiercest and most efficient competitors in world trade. While we were fighting for our lives America was absorbing the wealth of the world and securing markets which she never before possessed, but he said our sacrifices were worth the cost The British Empire was the greatest factor in the enemy's defeat. He would do what he could to secure from the Empire the largest portion of trade for the Empires use. The Government could not now offer large subsidies for shipping It would mean more taxation, nut he believed that comparatively small assistance would realise extraordinary results. If we did not have an Impena] policy there was something wron* with the country. He did not think that America had realised all that she expected in the way of trade since the cessation of hostilities. He would like to see the Agents-General and the High Commissioners a more corporate bodv lney would thus tt ssfst trade development, because they posessesd knowledge which untravelled people did not possess. He considered that the shipping difficulty would soon disappear •' Mr. Amery said that he believed that our position was intrinsically stronger than that of the United States. "If we make the utmost use of our resources," he declared, "we will leave that country standing still, notwithstanding our present handicap. We must supply the Dommions with all the man-power they need, and they must supply all the materials."

Sir Thomas Mackenzie contrasted the warm reception businessmen received in America compared with their reception m ; .Britain. He complimented Sir rlamar Greenwood and hoped that he would soon sweep away the aloofnesa which had formerly been displayed towards the overseas representatives in trade matters.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.