MR. FORBES GRATIFIED

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 31, 6 February 1932, Page 11

MR. FORBES GRATIFIED

DISCUSSIONS AT OTTAWA

CLEARER PROSPECT

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

CHBISTCHUBCH, stli February. Gratification that dairy produce was not included among the exemptions from British tariffs, thus allowing New Zealand a definite advantage over foreign exporters of butter and cheese, was expressed by the Prime Minister, the Bight Hon. G. W. Forbes, to-night. "At the last Imperial Conference," said Mr. Forbes, "the Dominions made it clear that they were not looking for protection in regard to wool, since that was a raw product on whicli the great woollen industry of England was based. Exemption of meat was also to be expected since that was- not among the products under discussion, but it was thought a reasonable thing to ask for preference in regard to butter and cheese.

"I feel gratified that this has been done, since there has been a certain amount of anxiety among dairy produces. Preference given to tho colonies paves the way for discussions at the Ottawa Confcrcncn, which will now he entered into in the best possible spirit. The position of Empire Freeh-ado has not been in any way prejudiced, and

we may hopo to make mutually satisfactory arrangements regarding reciprocal trade."

Mr. Forbes stated emphatically that New Zealand would at all costs'bo ropresented at tho Ottawa Conference. Tho Dominion's'representative at the Conference has not yet been decided.