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Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1924, Page 2

Tnr. Commons decision on the preference resolutions brought forward bv the ox-Premicr. Mr Baldwin, is being closely canvassed both at Home and abroad. The decision is an indication that the present Parliament remains what it was elected as—a Free ’J ratio Parliament. The general elections were fought on the principles of preference, and Mr Baldwin was defeated in that widest of arenas. To seek for a revised verdict was but to court defeat. It is evident, however, that the fuller ventilation of the subject at present and in an atmosphere less charged with party politics, has done some good in that the discussions have been more on the merits of the case, and with a clearer reflection as to what preference means not only to the Homeland, but to the Empire overseas. The Governincnt possesses a more open mind at all events, and is prepared to weigh the merits of preference with some consideration for the general effect of the Empire-wide application of preference as a moans to recover Home trade. The fact that I’rco trade principles built up England's commercial standing must lie guaged in the light of the times in which the open door operated most effectively. World affairs and world interests have changed greatly since those days. The war has added its difficulties to the situation also. Xew conditions prevail now, and it is plain that free trade in itself will not. and is not a panacea for the industrial slackness the I'nited Kingdom suffers from. Probably preference itself will not he an effective cure. But it might tie of some help, ft is likely to assist Empire trading and that is of very material consequence. The whole position requires to be explored very thoroughly. Mr Lloyd George in his latest speech scorns to have summed up the position very clearly when he advised an impartial examination of Britain’s whole trade position.

Tiik gaming question has been brought to tlie fore b.v the Council of Churches in view of another Gaming Bill which is to he introduced in place of the one that met with such a warm reception and such a sorry fate last session. The Minister holds it is necessary that widened powers should lie given to the Government to deal with lapsed permits where racing clubs have ceased to bold meetings. The (most debathblo question is the proposal said to he in the Bill to increase the permits for racing clubs Ji.v twelve and those fortrotting cl tilts by nineteen, a total increase of thirty-one. which will mean nil increase of the number of racing days. This question is hound to be hotly' debated, and a stonewall it is considered in many quarters, is practically certain over it. Another provision will he to the effect that clubs changing their constitution will retain the right to their permits. This is designed to meet the east* of a club changing from. sav. a trotting club to a hunt club. It is proposed to make it lawful for a club to refund money invested on a liorsc if a horse is withdrawn from the race before the totalisator closes. The question of big fields will arise, and tlie bill will propose that the totalisator shall not be open more than eight times on any one day. It is understood, also, that not more than eight races shall lie held in one day. Many questions regarding racing will come up under the Bill, ineluding the publication of investments and dividends now generally asked for. Tlie question of the reduction of taxation

afl affecting Club revenues, is likely to appear in connection with one or other of the Government monev hills.