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Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1930, Page 4

The 'lmperial Conference mifisioners appear to be engaged mainly in pleasantries. A preference tariff has gone by the hoard as far as the present Government is concerned, while the Liberals, if they were in power, would plump also for free trade. The Conference committees are busy with reports on side-lines of colonial Government, but as Mr Forbes said very truly at the reception > covering the giivng of the freedom of London, the British Empire was founded on sentiment, no mutter what was done with deeds ,and agreements, The silken thread still holds as in the days of yore, despite all the struggles for homo rule and kindred attachment. The political leaders of Ireland and fiouth Africa are content with matten's as they are, and if not as pronouncedly loyal and devoted as the political leader of New n,e no less resolved to stay in the Empire fold, To revive an expression of the war period, there is no better hole to go to and New Zealand is certanly proud of the shelter she enjoys under the folds of the Union Jack. It, alliords a common freedom, the portion of all who may care to share, the protection if offers. Whatever the outcome of the Conference, New Zealand will not he disposed to cut the painter, a figure of speech once to bo heard frequently in bygone years. The close alliance with Britain. despite our distance at this outpost, and the intimacy oj our tiado with the Motherland, are prime factors accounting for New Zealand’s adhesion to the Empire. The political thoughts of this country have always been closely (directed towards Great Britain, and never has there l>een the suggestion of any break or breach. Mr Vorbes, like Prime Ministers before him, has been sturdily British and loyal and that national tradition, we

trust, may long remain. Ju,st at present trade may be erratic because of an upset market, hut that can he only a passing phrase, and business relations will come all right in time, when we shall be glad as always to l>e intimately associated with the fortunes of Great Britain.