The Guardian And Evening Star, with which in incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1930. THE ALL IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which in incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1930. THE ALL IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.

The stage is now se't foN the opening of the Imperial in London to-day!' "It‘is a gathering of the greatest' Empire iiiip'ortaiice and should '•’pave the way i'oploeer Imperial relations, 1 'This is 'not a. time when''much 'is to' hh Heard j about secession; There i's ino serious'talk of

“cutting the painter” 1 from those in responsible positions. Despite her mighty effort over the war period, the Mother Land'is still a great and dominating Poweir to which it is an honour and a comfort to belong. Great Britain, despite, the vicissitudes of the 'times/ stands' 'four square to alffadv'wffties and is cajitibie of holding! her/own iff alt” crroumiatUnces. At ; fffe*- :, ConfSfence :^ "The discussions', will fferffsts ’‘df' -t'hepffrtms • ' edri'derned. While Empire free trade is a growing -political- jfisue-at Home, it doeo not follow that It/will be: actively supported: •diy* the 'present' Gov.'ernmbfft’/- though -there may ,be some modification of the proposals. The Dominions are in' most cases giving

a good '''deal of preference to British goods, and the results speak for themselves. New Zealand is doing much in that direction, and the results are outstanding. These facts suggest a line for bargaining, It has I’oeen made plain that while the Labour Govlernment will not subscribe entirely to Imperial free trade, it will be prepared to assist Dominion trading in other ways, The degree of encouragement to be given in this way will be the crux of the main issue. With more trade on an assured basis, there will be less occasion for the Dominions to seek for greater financial support, or where that may be needed with an increased trading turnover, the Dominions will be better able to help themselves on the open market. Certainly in regard to finance the Dominions will seek some basis of . settlement for stability in exchange rates, as a means to assure a fixation of '.(prices. Though tliis is largely n banking matter, in regard to exchange rates, the understanding possible to reach with the banking authorities in London may be most helpful in (securing a happy issue. Mr G, W. Forbes has moved ill the matter already, and is almost certain because of the justice of his case, to achieve a measure of relief.. Regarding banking also, there is the likelihood that the self-governing dominions will go into the matter of a central bank to 00-operate with the Bank of England to ensure by the joint arrangement .'the stability so miueh desired in regard to the exchange rates. Tliis was the advice last week of Sir Otto Niemeyer be-* fore leaving New -Zealand. The Conference representnl l ves will leain all there is to be told regarding disarmament. The time is opportune financially for as much saving as possible in this regard, and here in New Zealand economies have been introduced in no uncertain way. What more can be done will be gleaned when the full story of Empire defence •is disclosed at the Conference table. It is possible that just as defence matters are international rather than merely Empire, so with regard to fin anne the Issue is more international in its general bearing than being merely confined to the confines of the Empire. It would appear that the Labour Government is disposed to accept that estimation of the, position,

hence the a loot attitude to wholehearted Empire trailing. Undoubtedly the' general issue is complex, but the position of world-trade and finance, have to be taken into account, if a (long view of the situation is to bo attempted. At the Conference those present will have the benefit of much expert advice from all points of view. It will 'in fact lie the most important meeting of its kind yet held, and the necessity of New Zealand being well represented is quite clear. Mr Forbes has made a happy dehut, and bis public utterances are in keeping With bis record for good sense and honcp' vision. The Dominion will be wel and truly represented at this momentous Conference by the person of it- 1 Prime Minister.