BRITISH TRADE.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 April 1921, Page 4

BRITISH TRADE.

In spite of the serious nature of the industrial crisis at Home, the latest review of British trade lays stress on the absence of panic and the existence of the belief that common sense will ultimately prevail At the same time the financial stringency continues, and this must necessarily have an unfortunate effect throughout the Empire.. Moreover, it is stated that things are now at their worst, the only hope of alleviation being the lowering of the cost of production. The prospect of an appreciable reduction in the cost of production is not, however,, very bright, as the volume of trade is lessening, hence a smaller output must necessarily be more expensive than when manufacturers are fully employed. Naturally the metal markets are adversely affected by the coal strike, which, however, is viewed with complacency by the cotton-spinners for two reasons, one being that they have sufficient coal for a month, and the other being that should the strike last longer there will be a reduced output of goods, with a consequent rise in values. Apparently the markets in which the producers of the Dominion are interested are in a satisfactory state, except as to wool, though even in this commodity the outlook is more satisfactory, owing to the steps taken to .prevent a continuance of the demoralising decline Meat, butter and cheese all command payable prices, though not up to the big'll rates that obtained during the war. It must be recognised that the Motherland is passing through a very crucial phase of financial and industrial strain, but her ■strength and resources are so vast there need be no fear of any collapse, though it will require the utmost care and skill to weather the storm without incurring injuries that will retard progress.