C. S. O. M.F. 237.
The Dominion of Canada cordially the Crown associates herself with Colory of Hong Kong by participat- ing the British Empire Fair which is oping to-day. It is gratifying to th Canadian Government, and particularly to myself, as Minister of Trade and Commerce, that Canada accorded such excellent has been facilities for thus displaying before the citizens of Hong Kong and South China samples of her natural products and manufactures, with a view to fur- ther extending inter-Imperial trade between these two sections of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It is particularly fitting that this Fair should open on May 24th, the anniver- sary of the "Mother of the Empire", the late Queen Victoria and a day celebrated throughout the British Em- pire as indicative of its solidarity and its devotion to the Crown.
The Crown Colony of Hong Kong of Canada have and the Dominion much in common. It was in 1841, during the reign of Queen Victoria, that Hong Kong become a Crown Colony and began to flourish under the Union Jack. It was in the same year that Canada had its first de- mocratic government. Direct steam- ship services between Canada and Hong Kong provide a means of great- ly increasing the volume of trade be- tween, and linking closer together, these at one time distant parts of the Empire. Their products and manufactures are to a large extent complementary, and it is to the advan- tage of both countries that this trade should
increased. be considerably Hong Kong is at the spearhead of a unexploited large and practically
trade territory which will, when the existing difficulties have passed, pro- vide Hong Kong with a market for many of Canada's products and which in return may provide
of many
Canada's wants.
It is natural that Hong Kong, due to its location and the unexcelled facilities offered by its harbour, should serve as a centre of distribution for Canadian products which will eventu- ally be consumed in the Southern part of the Chinese Republic. It is our hope that the importers of Hong Kong will give the fullest consideration to the opportunities offered to them by Canadian producers.
It was with the object of promot- ing greater trade between Canada and this territory that the appointment of a Trade Commissioner was made in 1929. It is to the advantage of Hong Kong importers to prepare for the future. Canada can provide
them
with many of their requirements and since it is to their advantage to cultivate a trading partnership with that Dominion.
I congratulate the Chairman and Committee on their efforts to make the Fair a success and feel sure that; they will be fully justified by the results obtained.
N.Z's. BEST WISHES.
Mr. Williamson Reads Message.
THANKS OFFERED.
Mr. S. T. Williamson read the following message from Mr. Masters, the Minister of Industries and Com- merce in the New Zealand Govern- ment:-Please express best wishes of the New Zealand Government for the success of the Empire Fair and ap- preciation of the efforts of Govern- ment, committees, Hotel company and others to further Empire trade. Also express our thanks for the assistance rendered to New Zealand in this con- nection.
FROM AUSTRALIA.
Prime Minister's Cable Of Appreciation.
"EVERY SUCCESS."
the Prime
Mr. J. A. Tonkin delivered following message from the Minister of the Commonwealth Government of Australia:
On behalf of the Commonwealth Government, I wish the Empire Fair every success and hope it will mark opening of many new avenues inter Empire trade. Appreciation is ex- pressed to the Government of Hong- kong for the encouragement and as- sistance in launching the Fair, and to the Fair Committees, the Hotel Company, the Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga, and those organisations and associa- tions whose activities have been re- sponsible for this display of Empire products. Your Fair will be suc- cessful and beneficial to all British and Dominion participants.—Lyons, Prime Minister.
THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.
Trade Commissioner From Home.
WHAT OF TARIFFS?
Formally declaring the Fair open, H.E. the Governor said:-Mr. Pater- son, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: I am very pleased to have the privilege to-day of opening the second Empire Products Fair held in Hong Kong. As you know, the idea was started last year as the outcome of a letter addressed by Mrs. Amery, the wife of a former Secretary of State for the Colonies, to my wife, in which among other things she suggested an all-British food day.
The proposal to have an Empire Products Fair was taken
up with great enthusiasm. My wife assisted in the preliminary stages, but to our regret we were unable to be here for the Fair itself. We were however greatly interested in the accounts which were sent to us. There was no doubt that it was a great triumph, and I take this opportunity of con- gratulating all those who helped to achieve that success.
It was indeed so successful that it was quite rightly decided that another Fair should be held this year, and there is no need for me to say that that decision has been amply justified, and that this year's Fair will greatly surpass that of last year.
Such Fairs have been instituted in many parts of the Empire. The Bri- tish Industries Fair was started in a modest way in London soon after the War, and has grown to be of the greatest commercial value. Another Fair of the same kind has been held at Birmingham for the last fourteen years and yearly gains increasing popularity. Many of the colonies participate in that held in London, Fiji being one of the latest notable additions; and I hope that at no dis- tant date Hong Kong will be able to participate, showing the people at home that this Colony is developing valuable industries of its own.
Local Industries.
In a recent edition of a very in- teresting journal called "The Crown Colonist', 1 noticed in a map showing the various sources of Empire pro- ducts that Hong Kong was marked "Local industries and trans-ship- ment for China”. A few years ago the words "local industries" would probably not have been written, Hong- Kong then being considered very little more than a mere transit port. Industries are now growing up in this Colony, one of the most notable perhaps of recent ventures being the brewing of beer! Only recently I was informed by the head of a well i known Hong Kong firm that they had! a very large order from England for rubber soled shoes manufactured here.
our
These Fairs are great factors in the commercial life of the Empire, and help to make us realise what great Empire is capable of producing. It is wonderful how little many of us know
I of its great resources. had an opportunity of visiting the Fair in London in 1928, and I must confess to great surprise at many of the things I saw there.
The British Empire has held a high position in trade, but owing perhaps to over-confidence has tended to sink in a slough of conservatism, in spite of considerable technical advances in industry. Where we really have to some extent failed is in actual trading.
We have been inclined to stand on a past reputation of the excellence of our goods, which has always been high, and have been extraordinarily unwilling to investigate changes in demand. Suppliers seem to hold the view that they should decide on what the consumer should take, ignoring the adage that he who pays the piper has the right to call the tune. This tendency, as far as the Far East is concerned, was recognised by the Economic Mission which visited the Far East over two years ago, and also by Mr. Beale, now Commercial Coun- sellor to our Peking Legation, who drew attention to it in a report which he wrote on trade in Malaya some years ago, when I first met him there. There is no doubt that many of our large suppliers have followed for- tuitous methods, and have not ap- preciated the necessity of studying their markets. I think that I can truthfully say that great improve- ments have now been made in our methods. The quality of our goods has always been of a high standard and with a better realisation of the customers I feel that there is every prospect of a considerable increase in trade. If however suppliers wish to achieve a maximum of success I think that they should employ what I might term special Trade Com- missioners of their own to carry out continuous investigation of the needs and desires of those whose cus- tom they wish to retain and develop.
શ
C S. 0. M.F. 237.
)
British Commissioner.
At the same time I must say that I think that it is time that we had something in the nature of a British Trade Commissioner here to repre- se the Home Country and those par of the Empire which are not at pre It represented, and I am in hopes that such an appointment may materialise
distant in the not far future.
Major Duclos, the Canadian Trade Commissioner, has been with us for some time, and I congratulate him on the success which he has made of his appointment. I also would like to offer him our especial thanks for the very great assistance he has given both at last year's Fair and this Fair. He has indeed been tower strength to the organisers.
a
of
We greatly apreciate the friendly message from the Hon. H. H. Stevens, Minister of the Department of Trade and Commerce in Canada, which Major Duclos has just read. It is a message which indicates that true Empire spirit and desire for co-opera- tion at the development of which we should all aim. I think there is a great deal to be done in fostering trade between Hongkong and Canada, and I agree with Mr. Stevens that we have many interests in common. I passed through Canada on my way Home last year, but had very little I time to study conditions there. was impressed however in particular by three products which I thought could with advantage be exported on a larger scale to Hongkong, namely motor-cars, fruit and beer. However with the establishment of a local brewery perhaps I had better not extol the value of Canadian liquor!
Advertising British Goods. Trade between Australia and New Zealand and this Colony is growing, and I congratulate Mr. Williamson, who has acted as honorary agent for those Dominions, on this successful development. I also thank him for his valuable assistance in connexion with this Fair.
We greatly appreciate the friendly Australia and New message from Zealand which he and Mr. Tonkin I take this have just conveyed to us. opportunity of welcoming to Hong- kong Mr. Tonkin who has just arrived as the representative of the Common- wealth of Australia.
pire will buy British-goods things will become easy and less effort be neces-
sary.
Tariff Question.
Our great Empire must be nearly self-supporting, and certainly should be capable of being made so. I spite of the old tradition of free trade, we have been driven to some extent to tariffs, but there is a school, and a very powerful one, which is not satisfied that that is the proper line to follow. At all events I have no hesitation in saying that the imposi- tion of tariffs must not be allowed to depreciate efficiency and economy in production. Fundamentally it is most important that we should learn to produce goods which can compete successfully with similar goods of other countries, and at an economic price to the consumer. Tariffs would be entirely bad if they were to militate against this.
Hongkong, while undoubtedly grow- ing industrially, is still mainly a transit port, and there is no doubt in my mind that tariffs would on the whole therefore probably do more harm than good. It would be fatal to impose tariffs to help one or two industries, if by surrendering the principle which we have followed for many years we were to ruin the main trade of the port.
More over it must be remembered that this Colony is not, except to a small extent, a primary producer and that in regard to its industries it is largely dependent on imported material. In these circumstances I need hardly stress the danger and difficulty of tariffs.
I have not yet had an opportunity of seeing the exhibits to-day, but from what I have learnt there is no doubt that this Fair affords considerable evidence of what can be obtained from Empire sources, and also what this Colony is capable of producing.
New Territories.
I am very glad that there is such a fine exhibit of produce from the New Territories, and I trust that sub- stantial purchases will be made. One cannot but be struck by the great in- local dustry and ability of that agriculturist in producing what he does. The Territories have long been noted for producing some of the finest rice in the world, and to-day they are able to produce
many varieties of fruit and vegetables, but more requires to be done in the direction of proper marketing, and I should like to see the principles of co-operation developed in this respect. It has been proved that pineapples can be successfully grown, and I should like to see an up- to-date canning factory for this form
the of fruit developed in
Colony. To compete however with the canned products of other countries such as Hawaii and Malaya improved me- thods must be introduced a,nd new strains imported. of
In the matter of advertisement, too, we British have been behind other nations. Lulled perhaps by an ex- cessive feeling of confidence and faith in cur own products and achieve- ments, we have tended to consider it unnecessary to advertise and push those products. In these days how- ever it must be conceded that if we are to capture the markets, it is necessary to advertise our goods.
In opening this Fair to-day, I ap- peal for a greater support for British products, and in that term of course I include the products of this-a British Colony. The number unemployed at home and in other parts of the Empire is very large, due partly to economic depression and partly to the fact that new inventions often diminish the need for
man
power. It is necessary therefore, in order to cope with this problem, to develop to the full the resources of the Empire. Team work is called for and we should realise that in support- ing British industries we make a valuable contribution to the solution of a difficult Imperial problem. It is essential however that such industries should aim at efficiency and economy and not allow themselves to be lulled into a wrong sense of security under the impression that if the whole Em-
un-
The industrial tendency is doubtedly growing in this Colony, and in spite of the slump and the fact that some factories have had to close.
It would take too long to mention by name the many residents who have helped towards the organisation of the Fair, but I desire especially to thank the Directors of the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels for again allocating to the Fair such a large amount of space in the Peninsula Hotel. Mr. Taggart has helped in innumerable ways towards the successful organisa- tion of the Fair, and the Hotel staff has co-operated in every possible way.
Prime Movers.
The Hon. Mr. J. J. Paterson has ably presided over meetings, but on the Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga and his sons, Mr. H. Braga and Mr. A. M. Braga, has fallen the brunt of the work of organisation of exhibits, to which they have given a great deal of their time for months past. In this they have been supported by Mr. Key as Honorary Secretary. The Military authorities have greatly assisted the Committee to keep down expenses by lending a considerable quantity of military equipment which has been used for the erection of stalls. In this connexion I would especially mention the help of Mrs. Borrett, Mrs. Kinnaird Watson, Mrs. Hoare and the numerous ladies who are working un- der their leadership. The organisers of the several sections-the list is again too long to permit of individual mention-deserve our thanks.
The necessity of building two large pavilions on the adjoining land has involved special electrical difficulties, in handling which the China Light and Power Co., Messrs. Callender's Cable and Construction Co. Ltd., and Messrs. Wm. C. Jack & Co., have most helpfully collaborated in a way that has placed the Committee under a great obligation. To-night you will see the attractive lighting effects which have been installed.
The Telephone Company has gone to considerable expense and trouble to install the Public Address System which greatly helps speakers in this large building and will doubtless be found useful to exhibitors for broad- casting announcements within the Exhibition area.
Several firms and Public Companies -both British and Chinese-have given transport facilities and many more have distributed advertisements all over the Colony. All the English newspapers and several Chinese news- papers, have rendered essential assistance by placing their columns freely at the disposal of the Com- mittee. I may perhaps conclude this incomplete resume by thanking the many exhibitors on whose com- bined support the Fair depends.
Canton Visitors Welcomed.
I extend a very hearty welcome to H.E. Mr. Lin Yun-koy and our other Canton friends, who have done us the honour of coming here to-day to at- tend this Fair. Their presence here affords further proof of the excellent relations which exist between Canton and this Colony. This Fair is primarily held on behalf of British products, but many of these, I am happy to say, are purchased by Can- ton. In some things there is a healthy trade rivalry between Canton and Hongkong, but speaking generally our interests are colsely interwoven, and the prosperity of the one is large- ly dependent on the prosperity of the other. It is a matter for congratula- tion therefore that the friendship be- tween the two places is so happily maintained.
I have much pleasure in declaring the Fair open and in wishing it great
success.
9
C
C S. 0. M.F. 237.
SOUTH
CHINA
Enclosure No.1.
MORNING POST. THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1933.
OFFICIAL OPENING.
'GOVERNOR'S PLEA FOR GREATER EMPIRE CO-OPERATION.
WELCOME TO OFFICIAL GUESTS.
With full ceremonial, the Empire Fair was officially opened by the Governor, Sir William Peel at noon.
The Governor and Lady Peel were welcomed at the main entrance of the Hotel by the Hon. Mr. J. J. Paterson, Chairman of the Committee, who escorted them through a guard of honour comprising Boy Scouts and Girl Guides to the first floor.
His Excellency entered with Mr. Paterson, while Lady Peel was accompanied by the Vice-chairman of the Fair came Mr. S. T. Committee (Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga). Then Williamson (honorary agent for the Australian and New Zealand Governments), Major Duclos (Canadian Trade Commissioner), the Hon. Dr. Kotewall, Mr. M. F. Key (Secretary of the Fair Committee) and Capt. Walter, A. D. C. to the Governor.
The Chairman was supported on the dais, on the right, by H.E. the Governor, the Chairman of the Kwangtung Provincial Government (Mr. Liu Yun-koy), H.B.M. Acting Consul-General (Mr. E. G. Jamie- son, C.B.E.), Mr. J. A. Tonkin (representing the Department of Commerce of the Australian Com- monwealth Government), Hon. Mr. J. P. Braga (Vice-Chairman) and principal organiser of the Fair Committee). On the left
were
Lady Peel, the Mayor of Canton (Mr. Liu Chi-wen) and Mrs. Liu Chi-wen, Major V. E. Duclos (Canadian Trade Commissioner in Hongkong), Mr. S. T. Williamson (Hon. Agent for New Zealand) Hon. Mr. R. H. Kotewall, C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman).
Other present included the General Officer
H.E. Command- ing, Major-General O. C. Borrett, C.B.. C.M.G., D.S.O., C.B.E., and Mrs. Borrett, H. H. the Chief Justice and Mrs. J. R. Wood, representatives of the Consular Body, officials from Canton, the Commodore and Mrs. Marrack,
members of the Executive Council, Government officials, members of the General Committee of the Fair, and exhibitors.
A tableau, representing Bri- tannia was staged behind the dais.
Ex-
on
When we found, however, that we were going to put up a show four or five times as large as before, cover- ing an area of over an acre, we felt that we need not be quite so modest. Seeing that the Empire goods show to day are all intended for the great market of South China, we in- vited the Chairman of the Kwangtung Provincial Government, Mr. Lin Yun- Koy; the Mayor of Canton, Mr. Liu Chi-Wen and Mrs. Liu Chi-Wen; the Inspector-General for Foreign Affairs for Kwantung, Kwangsi, etc., Mr. Kan Chieh-Hou and Mrs. Kan Chieh- Hou; the Commissioner of Public Safety, General Ho Lok; the Coun- sellor to the 1st Group Army Head- quarters, Colonel C. W. Leung, the Municipal Counsellor and Secretary to the Mayor, Dr. Wu Paak-Shing and Mrs. Wu
Paak-Shing; the Secretary to the Chairman of the Kwantung Government, Mr. Chow! Hok-Tong and the Secretary to the Commissioner of Public Safety, Mr. W. S. Lun, to accept our hospitality and be present here to-day.
Therefore it is my privilege this morning, in the first place, to wel- come His Excellency the Governor, who has taken the greatest interest in this project and who kindly promised some months ago to perform the Opening Ceremony. Secondly, as this is, I think, the first large gather- ing which Lady Peel has attended since her recent illness, I am you would wish me to express your behalf our congratulations her recovery and our pleasure that she is here to grace the occasion.
Canton Guests.
sure
on
on
Next I wish the thank, in the name of the General Committee of the
of the
Empire Fair, the Chairman the
Mr. Paterson's Welcome. Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Mr. J. J. Paterson said:-Your cellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: The first Empire Fair in Hongkong, held a year ago, though it called for a great deal of work from organisers, was smaller than the Fair we present to you to-day. We made the Opening Ceremony a local affair. I believe His Majesty's Con- sul-General at Canton was the only visitor from the outside world.
Kwangtung Provincial Government, the Mayor of Canton and the other distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen from Canton who have honoured us to-day by accepting our invitation to the Fair. We trust that what they see here will be of great interest to,
them and that their visit will fur- ther strengthen the friendly relations between South China and Hong Kong. As the Fair has so greatly out- grown
of even the large amount space which the Hotel Company has so generously placed at our disposal, I have to express my regret that it is impossible to provide seats for all who are present. The best amends I can make is to be brief. Let me therefore extend a cordial welcome to His Majesty's Acting Consul- General at Canton, Mr. Jamieson and to our local guests. In particular I wish to take this opportunity of ex- pressing, in all sincerity, grateful thanks to the hundreds of workers and exhibitors for their support. J want also to thank Mr. Taggart and the Directors of the Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels Ltd., for their in- valuable assistance, the general public for their attendance and to express the hope that "dividend war rants will soon be ready" in the shape of a large increase of British trade as the result of this Fair.
I will now call upon Major V. E. Duclos, Canadian Trade Commissioner in Hongkong, to read a message from the Hon. H. H. Stevens, Minister of the Department of Trade and Com- merce of the Dominion of Canada.
CANADA'S MESSAGE.
Minister's Greeting Read By Major Duclos.
MUCH IN COMMON.
Major Duclos then read the follow- ing message from The Hon. H. H. of Stevens, Minister, Department Trade & Commerce, of the Canadian Government:-
10Page 11
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.