EMPIRE TIES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 3 December 1927, Page 5

EMPIRE TIES

DETERMINATION TO RETAIN THEM SPONTANEOUS AND UNANIMOUS EVIDENCE. PREMIER’S REPORT ON IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. , (Per Press Association). Parliament Buildings, Dec. 3. In liis report upon the discussions and decisions of the Imperial Conference, th© Hon. J. G. Coates conveyed to the House of Representatives this morning the impression tlr. New Zealand was a very satisfies dominion, so far as her relation with the Motherland and her status as a British dominion are concerned. The Prime Minister considered that the outstanding feature of the Conference was not the practical results achieved so much as the spontaneous and unanimous evidence of goodwill and a determination to retain Empire ties. No suggestions or demands were made on behalf of this dominion, as he felt that the opinion of the country was that the present association should remain. The matters affecting New Zealand directly were various, said Mr Coates, and included the status of tht Governor-General, which this Government had no desire to alter at present. Further communication between the dominions was also recognised as advantageous to eliminate the risk of serious disagreement. FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Foreign affairs claimed a great deal of his attention, while advanced methods of international transport were not overlooked. The prospect was for the successful completion of the great Imperial Air Service appeared promising, and the Dominion was sharing in the preliminary steps which are being taken throughout the Empire to facilitate the passage of airships. It was hoped to ar range a trial flight to the furthermost domonion as soon as possible. A valuable report had’ been prepared upon the distribution of the’ white population of the Empire and, although he regretted that tempo rary suspension of migration had become necessary, a resumption would be made as soon as the position in New Zealand could justify this action. TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIIRF Extension of trade dcjiended upon stability of markets, and it was pleasing to find a reciprocity of the feeling at the Conference that trade within the Empire was conisdered ft most desirable thing for the general welfare. This Government was committed to a close investigation on the application of science to industry and production. Already the Government bad taken action respecting the operation of foreign cinematograph films in this country, which was due largely to the preoccupation of Britain during the war years, and Mr Coates was confident that the British film trade would be assisted materially by the operation of the bill which waa to ba passed reXi year. OTHER questions. Other questions discussed at iho Conference were the prospects for developing shipping, wireless telegraphy and telephony mid dofoiu*. as well as 50 separate questions "Inch he had found it necessary to discuss with people at Home, apart altogether from the deliberations of the Imperial Conference. The Premier said lie struck a helpful spirit in all quarters, and as a result of his trip abroad he hoped for better Imperial relations as well as greater trade reciprocity with the United States, whee he was accorded a welcome reception.