The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER. 4, 1930. OF FISCAL IMPORTANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER. 4, 1930. OF FISCAL IMPORTANCE.

It is clear that the forthcoming Imperial Conference is going to* be of great financial importance to the Empire. Whatever the outcome, there will be at least, a great exchange of ideas and a. realisation of the needs and the resources of the Dominions. The growth in public opinion at Home for preferential treatment to Dominion products and ■goods is substantial. This is indicated from time to time in various utterances. There is of course the strong advocacy of Imperial preference by the Beaverbrook section of the Conservative party. The latest utterance came from the editor of the “Nation,” who is a member of the Economic Advisory Council. He. suggests a 10 per cent, levy on all imported foreign manufactures, with a rebate on colonial goods—a. scheme which bears a very close resemblance to Mr Chamberlain’s proposal put forward nearly 30 years ago to protect British manufacturers against their foreign rivals. Hitherto, the “Nation” like most Liberal organs, has been a supporter of Free Trade, and neither the Cabinet nor the Labour party is prepared to accept Mr Henderson’s project, which he has put forward entirely on his own responsibility. But it is a most significant and important fact that such a pronounced deviation from the traditional system of “free imports” should be proposed by an influential Liberal organ, and it indicates that Mr Snowden may find some difficulty in enforcing his declared intention of refusing to treat Imperial Preference or Protection seriously at the coming conference. Proposals of this character naturally appeal to New Zealand This Dominion is very remote from the markets of the world, and is under a handicap by reason of that distance. Any action assisting to olive a definite market irrespective of distance, must be helpful to this country. Tt is well therefore that the Dominion will be represented by the Prime Minister. Mr Forbes carries to the Conference, an exchange remarks, the confidence of the people of New Zealand that he will represent them in the way in which a good New Zealander shoulyl. That he should stand upon the traditional ground of New Zealand’s allegiance to the Mother Country and the Eimpiro. is the main

requirement of his countrymen, and to the firmness of his position in that respect he has personally attested. Transportation from the somewhat heated atmosphere of New Zealand polities during the parliamentary session to the cloistered shade and calm and dignified debates—we may presume they will be such—of the Imperial Conference will bo a change indeed. Such readjustments must enrich the individual outlook. The people of New Zealand, whatever their party political leanings, should he able to appreciate the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister in his valedictory utterance at Auckland. What he had to say Mr Forbes said happily. He .goes to plant his foot upon the soil of Old England for the first time, and he goes, as his words make clear, as one not devoid of imagination, and in the spirit which accounts for the strength—which visitors to this country note—of the British tradition in our midst. There are problems for discussion at the Conference which are even more, important, and, in their kind, more difficult of solution than those which represent t-lie domestic cares with which Mr Forbes lias left his colleagues to grapple with in our own Parliament. The bond between this Dominion and the Mother Country finds its strength ih marly considerations. The economic well-being of the Empire rls .1 whole is essential to the well-being of its constituent parts. In regard to the question of Empire trade there is a clear call for the exercise of sound practical statesmanship, The promotion of the economic solidarity of the Empire involves a quest of the utmost consequence, As regards the countries of the British Commonwealth generally ’the pull of self-interest and sentiment combined—if only the combination can be effectively stimulated—ought to be irresistible. What the conference may achieve in the direction of the promotion of Empire unity remains to be seen. As a participant in its deliberations Mr Forbes cannot fail to gather insight and useful experience. To' New Zealand lie leaves in the meantime the consolatory thought that she will soon get over her difficulties—it is but a matter of readjustment. Readjustments may he rather painful, hut valedictory notes must he cheerful. The special point about our internal affairs is that the financial drift is being grappled with in the earliest stages. The writing on the wall, was read betimes, and the Government is endeavouring to do its part mindful of the consequences if it fails in that duty. All should, therefore, be well with New Zealand in the not distant future, and greatly assisted to that end, if Mr Forbes’ mission proves the success it well might be, reading all the signs and lywtents on the political horizon at Home.