PLEA OF PREFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 27, 1 February 1924, Page 7

PLEA OF PREFERENCE

SMUTS AND SOUTH AFRICA

DISAPPOINTED IN SUPPORT

ADVANTAGES NOT REALISED.

(DNIIED PRESS ASSOCIATIOSJ.—COPTRIOHT.)

UnsTRAMitIMfISW ZEALAND CABU ASSOCIATION.)

(Received Ist February, 10 a.m.) CAPETOWN, 31st January

Speaking at' an agricultural show in the Paarl, General Smuts emphasised the enormous advantages of the proposed preferences for the fruit and wine industry. He expressed disappointment that, notwithstanding these advantages, he had received little support in a matter of vital importance to agriculture.

He expected to have his hands strengthened in the further negotiations and to have/the unanimous support of the whole of South Africa, in keeping the British Government, reminded of its promises and warm in its practical expressions of friendliness to the Dominions. Instead of that, they were squabbling amongst themselves. He still had reason to hope that the work of the Conference would stand, but he had the right to expect, and he expected, the undivided support of every South African, so that the British Government could recognise the importance of carrying its promises into effect. South Africa had given preference for years now, and no matter what British Government was in power,: it should do its utmost to reciprocate.