The Daily News. FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1922. COMMERCIAL TRAINING.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1922. COMMERCIAL TRAINING.

The formation of a Commerce Students’ Society in New Plymouth was a step that probably meets a need, for in times like those which the world is now experiencing it is imperative for those engaged in trade and commerce to be thoroughly equipped, not only with the fundamentals to success,but also with those details of methods on which success depends. That the opening meeting was well attended may or may not indicate that what may be regarded as the launching ceremony augurs well for the future of the Society. At al) events it was encouraging to the promoters of the movement. There is a general idea that anyone, with'■nt previous experience, can enter into trade and commerce confident of being able to build up a prosper ous and remunerative business. That some have done so must be admitted, though only the very few have so out-distanced their rivals as to become conspicuous in the front ranks of business life. Energy, pushfulness, thorough honesty and natural aptitude account for a good deal, especially when accompanied by concentration and foresight. Without these attributes an indifferent living may possibly be made, but. with them, plus a thorough knowledge of business principles and a satisfactory comprehension of the technique of trade and commerce, a business man is properly equipped for mounting the ladder of life. Few’ people realise how great is the necessity for study in trade and commerce in order to be prepared for emergencies that may arise. Anyone can buy and sell. There is an old maxim which lays down the one guiding rule to buy in the cheapest market and to sell in the dearest. Nothing is easier —on paper—but in practice, the lesson of experience has demonstrated that markets are not ripe strawberries to drop into the mouths of traders. Not only is it necessary to acquire a substantial foundation drawn from the experience of others, but it is essential to study the methods adopted in the leading countries of the world, to improve on them as far as possible, and to be ever on the watch for meeting the everchanging conditions of trade, as well as to catch the eye of purchasers and obtain their confidence by exemplary fair dealing. Any student., when first seriously reviewing the many factors bearing on trade and commerce, may well be excused if he comes to the conclusion that these factors are as formidable an array as is presented by the subjects for a professional course, and though the process of learning may not be as expensive as is the case with the professions, the need for a perfect assimilation of essential business lessons is quite as imperative as acquiring the requisite knowledge for entering a profession. The Students’ Society not only encourages and guides its members in business affairs, but, by means of lectures, presses home the salient points necessary for success and suitability of these lecturers. If they are merely superficial they will not be of much service—they may even he harmful—but if, as they should be, they are given b” men who, by training, experience and proved ability, can command attention, then thev will be of ,he utmost service. This is a matter that the Society, no doubt, will keep well in view, as its su jeess depends in large measure or. this means of educating the students. A good start has been mac. 6, and with the aid of leading business men of acknowledged ability and practical experience, the' Society should make an appreciable con-

tribution towards advancing the best interests of the business future of Taranaki.