IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1930, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

ARBITRATION AND DISARM AN ENT. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, October to. The committee on arbitration. and disarmanent began a general discussion whether when the League’s general act off arbitration should be signed, thereunder all international disputes would be referred to conciliation and arbitration whereas the optional clause which: the Empire had already signed limits the League courts scope to justifiable diputes. The British officials spokesman also had little to say except to make it clear that Cabinet had not stolen anybody’s thunder or idea which naturally cropped up in the survey of early possible aid in developing the Empire’s trade. As a matter of tact Cabinet’s attitude' p .had been not to commit itself to any schemes till the Conference had most fully discussed the whole field df possibilities.” Though the heads of the delegation will meet again to-morrow to consider the development of inter.-Imperial trade, it is understood that insufficient progress libs been made by the committees thereon fjr the heads to resume the discussion of high policy. There is no concealing' the pronounced Dominion opinion that the conference in the third week has done almost nothing on the major issues, notably trade.

CONSERVATIVE POLICY

STATEMENT BY MR BALDWIN.

LONDON, October 13

Mr Baldwin supplementing his preference statement cabled on October Bth. in a letter to Mr Neville Chamberlain, points but the final form of any plan developing economic unity throughout the Empire depends on further proceedings of the Imperial Conference, but meanwhile he emphasises he no longer lias in mind any suggestion of a referendum or second general election. He will go. to the polls with a programme to which the electors will be asked to give a final definite assent. The Conservative Party are determined to extend the . scope of preference to the utmost limit. ‘‘Our idea us that circumstances regarding each article which will be „■ snbject to preference should be examined on their merits, in co-operation. with the Dominions concerned. The remedy to be adopted should be one which, after investigation, seems best adapted to further our common aim.” Referring to wheat, Mr Baldwin says: “Having provided a fixed proportion of the British loaf shall be made from home grown wheat, it would be a natural extension plan to give effective preference to the Empire in the shape of the allocation of a further proportion to the Empire farmer. Such a system would provide an antidote more effective than tariffs against dumping Russian or Bounty fed ’foreign wheat. It could be worked through normal trade channels, avoiding import boards and bulk purchase. Regarding other commodities investigation might- show them other means, either the addition 'to or substitution for tariffs, translating into action the main principle of preference. The Conservatives intend to claim from the electors full authority to give immediate effect to such Imperial nrrangments as might be reached. A DAY OFF. ' MR FORBES VISIT. LONDON, October' 15. . Hon. G. W. Forbes devoted the Conference off day to commercial inquiries. In the morning he inspected Smithfield market and had talks with authporities' dealing with New Zealand lamb. He then saw the New Zealand Butter Board and discussed the present difficulties speaking of abnormal disparity ■of prices between New Zealand and Danish butter. He expressed the opinion that the high price of Danish was largely due to ex client salesmanship and organisation., He thought ..New Zealand should have a far more thorough system of salesmanship in London. Mr Forbes in the afternoon was taken round the factory from which the Imperial Bee Honey is distributed ann was glad to note the contrast of all other products of ho,ney fiTiees advancing. He was delighted with the honey distributors efficient advertising propaganda. _ ;