IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1923, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAnT.F. ASSOCIATION. WIRELESS question. LONDON, November 7. At the Economic Confluence the Empire Biesfi Union proposed, that the proposal that nireless communication l;e set up with Australia he agreed to before the Conference ends. Air Bruce (Australia) says he intends forcing a definite decision one way or the other. He has little hope the difficulty will he settled as between the |’cm. Office and Alarcoiiis. He says the Empire wireless interests should notin' sacrificed to such a quarrel. Air Massey also intends bringing the matter up before the close of the Conference. EAIPIRE I’RKKKRENCE. 'THU. PREFERENCES DETAILED. LONDON, Nov. 7. Air Bruce is gratified at the further preferential proposals, lie believes the British Government is prepared to concede preferences as tar as it can within the present limits of its ability. The preference on apples, fruit juice and honey (as cabled to-day) is continued. Other preferences conceded are:—Lime juice, (id per gallon ; the tobacco preference is increased from one-sixth to one-fourth. It is understood the apple preference is primarily intended to benefit Australia and Canada as against Western American competition. The honey preference will benefit Australia. New Zealand, and South Africa against foreigners generally. Mr -Massey, who has been urging upon the Imperial Government the desirability -of distinguishing between homegrown. foreign, and Empire meat, has received an assurance from the .Minister of Agriculture that he will take stops to amend the Al.erchaudiso .Marks’ Act to give effect to the .suggestion. Air Bruce is inviting the Empi.o Dress Union to hold the 1924 Conference in Australia. Air Bruce is moving lor an Economic Committee at the Conference, hut says it would not Iw its duty to interfere with dominion tariffs, as Canada thinks. On many questions' the Dominions might desire the Impeiial view. I-'or instance the question might arise of the dumping into the from England of goods that were also passed through England from foreign countries to secure Dominion preference. Sucli a committee conhl determine \Qiat was the country of origin of such goods. It is understood that- Air Alereer is (icing appointed to the vacant chairmanship if the Bacifie Cable Board by the Tioasury, hut it is believed the Doniini.-n leprcseiitativcs protest against this, urging the Board bo consulted by tin? Treasury. Certain members hold the growing importance of cables requires a specialist, not an official. LABELS TO EUOAIOTE SALES. LONDON, Nov. 7. The British .Minister for Agriculture announced at this afternoon’s Conference that it had been agreed to nmenit the .Merchandise Marks' Bill in the direction advocated by Mr Massey, and that the word': "Empire Produce,” in addition to the words: "Foreign Produce.’' should be used in the Bill. At present Ihe -hops are eomjielled to show only "Home-grown” and “Foreign" placards, mid the proposal is to enforce a distinction lielween f o>-eig!i and Empire produce. The concession, which will roqiiiie legislative confirmat ion is expected to have a very benefilial effect mi oversea:*' Empire produce, especially meat.