IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1930, Page 6

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

LONDON, October 21

It is recognised it would be mere hoping for the moon to expect an extension of preferences. It is therefore argued it would be foolish to reject the quota, that assures Australia of a virtual preference over Argentine wheat. It is gathered that Australia’s policy, while accepting the quota will be to have the subject of preferences permanently in view by the Empire Marketing Board Economic Committee, so that if circumstances turn in favour of preferences there will be up-to-date data on which to implant them. Though butter was mentioned at to-day’s discussions, the New Zealand view that the id'ea is unworkable, owing to variation in the seasons qualities, remains unshaken. HON G. FORBES. Mr Forbes in the afternoon inspected processes whereby James Garna-r and Son transform New Zealand lamb skins into a marvellous variety of leathers including imitation crocodile, snake, goat skins,, moroccos for bookbinding and leathers, and indistinguishable from tweeds. Mr Forbes learned that while some New Zealand pelts are first class, others suffered from stains in skinning and defective treatment, reducing value at least four pence a pair. .

A firm is experimenting on behalf of the Empire Marketing Board in search for the best form of treatment which can be recommended to New Zealand for the better treatment of pelts would mean at least the addition of £150,000 a year to New Zealand. Mr Forbes later visited the Air Craft operating company, and was shown the latest apparatus for aerial surveys by photographs. LONDON, October 21.

It is an accurate forecast to say that when Graham’s committee report reaches the heads, both Australia and New Zealand will again affirm the ■view that preferences is the only satisfactory method of building up interEmpire trade. • The Stankey committee has got a sense of various viewpoints of constitutional changes and has began drafting a report. It is understood the drafting will not be easy, as it is expected there will be subtle points on which South Africa-and Ireland need to he appeased. In the latter’s case concerning the Privy Council, in which she is finding some support for the view that it is wrong to l put her her in the position of having to counter legislate to make privy decisions nugatory. The spokesman admitted - that the committee was considering whether the Privy Council appeals should he retained, modified or abolished. ; CONSERVATIVE! POLICY.

Replying to Lord Reaverbrook, Mr S. Baldwin points out his policy statement of October 15th. meant That the' Conservatives' should be free to negotiate with the Dominions- on an unrestricted basis, and' free to- adopt tariffs on foreign foodstuffs or any other plan most calculated to achieve the object. Tile quota system seemed to be the best method regarding wheat, but if the Dominions found objections preventing them from adopting it, tlie Conservatives would be ready to discuss any other scheme. It was fffr the Dominions to decide whether they regarded the quota as a practical expedient, calculated to give their wheat growers the guaranteed market desired. Concerning the suggestion of the interpretation of Mr Bennett’s offer this should be left to tire Dominion’s Prime Ministers. It would be impossible to delegate to the Dominions, decisions regarding matters involving domestic taxation. Such, matters must be decided by the British Government which would consult the Dominions.