IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1923, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

AUSTItAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION*. PREFERENCE DEBATE. LONDON, 'Oct. 10. At the Economic Conference, Mr Bruce Australian Premier) dealt T lengthily with the problem of Empire development, lie pointed out that other countries protected thefr own industries liy their tariff's. Therefore, they could not feel any resentment if Britain did likewise. Tiie keynote of every question that the Imperial Economic Conference had to consider was the establishment of markets for tho Dominions in order to achieve true , Empire development. They had to realise that agriculture in Britain and tiie Dominions could not flourish long if Britain remained a dumping ground for any foreign surplus. It would lie necessary to regulate and restrict the foreign countries. Tiie objectives to ho borne in mind in any solution were, ll)* to assist the farmer; (2), to on- *> courage the Dominion producers ; and (3) to safeguard the British consumer. He suggested, as points for examination, firstly, a protective tariff for British agriculture, with a preference for t!io Dominions; secondly,'a sliding scale tariff: thirdly, a system of subsidies; fourthly, an import license system to discriminate against foreign countries; fifthly, the stabilisation of policy. He proposed the appointment of a Royal Commission to explore the whole question, and to make a recommendation to the present conference. The conference decided to establish a commit tee to inquire into the whole question of overseas settlement and thresh out a profitable scheme. Sir P. Lloyd Graeme, in the afternoon, opened a debate on tariff preference, which, he said, was an underlying principle of the Government’s policy. Tiie desire of tho British Government was that the conference should work out practicable steps to improve production and trade prospects in ail parts of the Empire. He unfolded certain specific proposals which he said, the British Government desir- ~ oil to make relating to dried fruits, sugar and tobacco. Kir P. Ormsby-Gore expressed gratitude for the proposals of tiie British Government, which, ho said, would moan a new hope lor Mauritius, and the West Indies. He said, in regard to tobacco, that Xyassaland and Rhodesiawill probably lollow the line taken by South Africa for reciprocity between the Crown colonies and the dominions. This matter would he beneficial. Mr Tn lies, on behalf of India, stated that the preference policy had never been accepted in India. He not commit the Indian Government to any policy of preference. Tiie debate will lie continued at further sittings. •Sir P. I.loyd Graeme, in outlining the British Government’s proposals, said that dried figs, raisins, and plums were at present dutiable, but would be admitted free from the Dominions. The British Government was under treaty obligations with Greece in reference to dried currants, hut it was prepared to offer free admission to Empire currants, and also to consider what increase of duty on foreign currants was necessary in order to make an Empire preference effective. Other „ dried fruits were noil-dutiable, but, whilst continuing to admit such fruits free from duty, the Empire Government intended to impose a duty on foreign dried fruit, like apples, pears and peaches. Tt was proposed to impose an all-round duty on all foreign preserved fruits, and to admit such Empire fruit free. Regarding tobacco, the British Government- proposed either to stabil- 1 iso fhe existing preference for 10 years, or to increase tho preference fiy onequarter of unmanufactured tobacco. Mr Massey pointed out that these proposals would greatly benefit fruit growing in New Zealand.

Mr Buiton said lie keenly appreciated the proposals, which would undoubtedly benefit South Africa, especially as to dried and preserved fruits and tobacco. ITo hoped also to raise tho question of wine.

MR MUSSEY REPLIES TO MR WIG NALL. (Special to Press Assn.) (Received this day at 10.2 d a.m.) LONDON, October JO. The Imperial Conference delegates .settled down Co stren'uons work at tlie morning and afternoon sessions. Meetings and conferences arc arranged to avoid clashing with tlie Imperial . “** Conference. A tw-o days’ postponement was made to enable Mr Baldwin to visit Edinburgh and the discussion will ho resumed on Thursday on the British policy regarding the German situation, »y which i- receivi ig the closest attention. The delegates to tlie Economic Conference occupied the vacant period with lengthy sessions. Mr Massey says lie regards the British concessions on dried fruits as an instalment and as evidence that the Home Government recognises tlie requests of tlie Dominions. He says the aspect of preference that New Zealand i- interested in is being considered by the committee which had investigated various ways whereby it is possible to give advantage to th t > Dominions’ produce. Mr Massey is also pushing for the amendment of tlie Merchandise Marks Act to give differential markings to the Dominions’ produce. Interviewed by the ‘‘Morning Post” Mr Mas-ey replies to tlie raided complaints by Air Wignall that New Zealand’s immigration policy displays tlie absence of a settlement scheme while ilic house shortage picvails. and excessive rentals an* charged. Mr Massey says that it is not plain whether Mr Wignall is voicing liis own conclusions or the considered views oi tlie Overseas Commission. He explains that* New Zealand does not limit her immigration activities to actual settlers, but- also welcomes artisans, skilled workers, agricultural labourers, domestic and industrious people generally. .MR MASSEY HAS AUDIENCE WITH KING. LONDON. October 10. Mr Massey had an audience with the King at Buckingham Palace this morning. —*<