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Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1924, Page 2

Thkuk "ill ho, naturally. a ”011(1 th-i.I of coiiiiiiotit throughout ili(‘ I’.nipiie <"> the fiscal policy of tin- British Governinoiit :»k revealed ill tin* Into policy spoocli liy tlio (.'hanoollor of llio Kxchequcr, i ai ticlihirly ill reference to tlio iihiiiiiliiiiinoiit of preference as was foreshadowed al tlio Into ('oiifoioino of Premiers, Tlio visiting Premiers wore all anxious for preference witliin tlio Kinpiro as a moans lo encourage trade, and notahlv Canada, South Alrica, Australia and .Vow Zealand, pinniped hard fur special consideration. Had the (.ousel vat ire Government remained in office, the preference would have been conceded, hut .Mr Baldwin's party was heat at the polls on the fiscal policy of which preference in particular was a main plank. The MacDonald Ministry which holds office on fiscal proposals liy the grace of the Liberals was forced to abandon the plank for preference, though Labor itself is not keen on the point. It has been pointed out that Labor is too new in responsibility to realise the importance of the issue. Be that as it may, Mr Snowden, on behalf of the (internment, was very definite in the rejection of the proposal, though at the same time a< conciliatory as he well could he in the language in which lie clothed the announcement of the rejection. Mr Massey has traversed the position with a lengthy statement of the Dominion point of view. The other oversea countries which are effected will also pronounce their protest. The event happens at an unfortunate time for General Smnts who is in throes of a general election, and the wiping out of the preference proposals removes what would have heen his trump card to the electors. However, Britain is concerned chiefly in her own interests, and political parties at the moment are so evenly balanced that radical changes of any kind will he difficult of accomplishment . The re will he file tendency genorally to tilings a< they me.

Tiif. negotiations fur a treaty of trade between Britain :iinl Soviet Rnssiii do not appear from Intent accounts to iie hopeful of settlement. Jo Great Brit.-iin there is :i very strong feeline of opposition to tiit iillitiiiee with the Soviet Government, for it is felt there is very little hope of the latter eanvinti out its linamial obligations. The Russian delegation is asking for a huge loan with which to pay for British goods. Certain security would he offered of course, hut the value of sneh would have to he determined hy expel ts with an inner knowledge of ltussia. and tl'.e present internal position. One severe critic remarks on the proposal: ‘•Tlie idea of improving our trade liv payiiig the Moscow ruffians t-o lmy our goods with our money (which is what extending, credits to them means) is preposterous enough for a maniac's dream." The writer then goes on to relate that recently at Leicester, a Communist orator informed the shoe makers that a hundred millions of Russians would order hoots from England, if only the English Government would recognise the Soviet Government, .a deputation of deeply impressed ■nc i waited on the employers to urge the brilliant idea. The employers leaned that they feared that Russia would inquire very long credit, but that t':e men would agree to wait for their wag '• for the Russian need until the Russians paid the hills, then they would he most happy to do all in their power to facilitate the transaction. Strange to say (commented the writer) no more was heard of the matter. On the other J

hand there is n good deal of public cp-inion at Home favoring on adjustment of trading relations with Russia, but the representatives which are sent to negotiate do not seem to impress the folk in the right quarter. The British attitude is certainly conciliatory and encouraging and if there was anything genuine in the Russian wishes there is every encouragement for the best •side to be brought out. It is to lntented tlmt the internal situation of Russia is so disorganised, that the recuperation of the country within a reasonable period is very problematical. In these circumstances where millions of money arc at stake, those with the responsibilities up-on tlieir shoulders must move very warily.