IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1923, Page 3

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. PRESS COMMENT. LONDON. Ott. 11. The “Yorkshire Observer,” which is :i loading Asqttilhian paper, says: “The Dominion Premiers, in advocating preference, are thinking less of the i.'Opire as a whole, than of the economic interests of the countries they ic present. They are frankly over here in search of new capital, and of more assured markets. Britain should <■' py the Dominion's premiers in taking,' the economic issues on their own mert-s, without paying overmnch attention I '‘ . Imperial trimmings. There neeti he h'-s hesitation, since at least one of the Dominion Premiers thinks that lie 'an bully this country into protection b.' the fatuous threat, than he can var".' his wares elsewhere. It is a- big voice from a little man. representing a population only half the size ol that ol Dondon, in a land which, apart It "in the ’ protection of the British flag, r.oii.d stand no chance in a quarrel with an Asiatic power,” FitEE TRADERS’ WARXIXCL LONDON, Oct. 11. The Free Trade Union lias addressed a manifesto to the Imperial ( onlerenoe delegates painting out that it has been the policy which enabled Britain to import cheap load and cheap law materials that enabled them to defy competition so that the export trade Vfcfrof the county grew and its import trade increased, and so contributed to the people's prosperity. In the !• tee Trade Union's opinion this was a r.c-t complete vindication ol tin, tree trade system. The manifesto mills: “ihe war DU ns with tin enormously increased capacity for production, but that cap-t -ity will he wasted unless we can sell our goods in competition with the world. Any interference v.flh our imports !>y taxation would be more iatal to . I industries titan in pre-war times."

CO.M.MITTFKS MF.F.T. [Reuters Telkorams.] Olecoived this day at D a.m 1 LONDON, Oet. 11. Two committees appointed by tin Impcrnil Conferetice met to dettl i*:th -Air Bruce’s proposals. The first committee dealt, specially with Lite .subsidy for British agriculture and Dominions’ producers, while the second considered the question of granting import licenses to discriminate against loridgn goods. It is understood opposition developed early to both proposals, whose practicability is questioned. At stralian delegates have intimated that they do not intend to press the suggestions which were only to ho re gar led as altf-rnaLives to tariff preference. It is considered unlikely they will be iecoinmeiided by the committees to the full meeting of the Conference, which adjourned till .Monday. Only committee work will he gone on with to-morrow. Various letters ineluding the overseas settlement question of patents were discussed to-day by committees of the Economic Confer nice which meets again in full session rest week.

ENTERTAIN ED BOYALLY. (Received this day at, 8 a.m.) LONDON. Oct. It. Their .Majesties entertained members of the Conferences with heir ladies at dinner at Buckingham Palace c to-night.