EMPIRE TRADE BONDS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1930, Page 5

EMPIRE TRADE BONDS

SIR JAMES PARR AT SOUTHWARK

LONDON, May 2,

On April 15th, on his return from Bristol, Sir James Parr deputised for Lord Beaverbrook at a meeting in South London in connection with the Empire Crusade. He spoke at the instance of the Southwark Conservative Association to a very hot Socialist audience of.about • 2000 people.

This occasion proved to be a great psychological study for Sir James and one. of much interest. Although rowdy nt the beginning, the speaker’s reception was an excellent one at the conclusion of an address lasting an hour/ Two others who spoke, each for a short time, ware the Conservative candidates for Central and Southwark. Sir James- Parr said that all New Zealand farmers would support Empire Trade, because it would double ihoir markets. New Zealand’ production of foodstuffs is increasing by leaps and bounds every year, and the question of obtaining a sheltered roar-

«■ in England for her, exports is . a serious problem for New Zealand and the other Dominions. Now Zealandbutter has to contend with ever-in-ovonsincr supplies from Siberia, Sweden •Demmurk, Holland. Switzerland, Krnnce. Finland, and the Argentine. Sir .Tames complained that in New Zealand and Australia— which are F.n"land’s best customer-? —they were treated no better than the Finlander or the Siberian in regard to the Enp--lish market for Empire products, and this, notwithstanding, New Zealand gave high fiscal preferences to Britain and was Britain’s best customer.

“Unless the Empire,” said Sir James, “gets closer together in the bonds nf fade. there is grave danger that M>p Dominions will seek 'other market-' drift apart, and become absorbed in other economic orbits.”