HON. G. FORBES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1930, Page 5

HON. G. FORBES

ARRIVAL IN LONDON

United Press Association—By Electr* Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 25

Hon. G. Forbes was heartily welcomed at Waterloo station this evening. A crowd of New Zealanders warmly cheered him. Sir T. Wilford, Messrs •J; H. Thomas, Destage, Batterbee, and Sir Charles Moldsworth were among the welcomers. .There were many handshakes for old friends in the delegation. The customary barrage of cameramen did their duty after which Mr Foyfces went to liis hotel.

He was earlier given a reception aboard the Majectic at Southampton, by the AXiyor. He said lie had a delightful voyage from New York. Interviewed, Mr Forbes said we do not bring any cut and dried proposals, and have no memorandum to submit, to the Conference. We recognise Britain’s present difficulties and are anxious to join "in any measures which will benefit her and Nerv Zealand. While Britain is already taking most of our exports of meat, butter, cheese and other commodities, we can supply much larger quantities. Though we import most of our requirement from Britain we-are anxious to increase the proportion. New’ Zealand iti doing very well but w'ants to do better, Asked what he thought of the British memorandum suggesting the admission of Dominion food products in’ preference to foreign on the grounds that they were produced under 1 carefully controlled conditions, Mr Forces 'said that he would give the fullest consideration, to. this and other . proposals put before the Conference. New Zealand, safeguarded the interests of the consumer in every possible way.. She never pressed for any materials, change in her constitutional relations, w’itli Britain. She recognised these questions of deeper concern to other parts of the Empire and did not .propose to place any ’ obstacle in tliq way of a solution,;--aceeptable -.to; all, but would do everything possible to promote unity off thecommonwealth of the nation. Unless the Conference arrives atisome agreed-,effetive economic policy it w’oukl not' justify the high hopes entertained. He was much struck by the vastness of Canada,.but;-admitt-ed Australia was equally * spacious. “After all there is something to be said for the nice small country of New Zealand which is quite big enough for all the people therein and many mere. It is a comfortable place in , which to live.”