The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1930, DISILLUSIONMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1930, DISILLUSIONMENT.

Thu English papers prior to the open, ing oi the Imperial Conference were ms sanguine us most folk about the happy issue of the proceedings, One paper remarked, “)rom the Imperial Conference that opeued on Wednesday more is hoped for than ever was expected of its predecessors,” Those hopes have proved vain altogether, and tlie results, compared with expectations, may be described as barren, The press at Home looked very sincerely for trade development, As one paper remarked: These has been a notable growth recently in tne realisation of the interdependence of the countries in tlie British Commonwealth and practically all parties and interests are agreed that closer co-opera-tion js urgently necessary for tlie expansion of intei'-JmpenaJ trade, In the light of tlmt agreement, the formulation of a definite policy of development ought to lie a practical possibility in the immediate future. 'Without detracting in any way from th© importance of the constitutional matters before the Conference, there is no doubt that attention will lie chiefly focussed on economic problems. Business men throughout tlie Empire have given very dear indications of tliejr desire for closer co-operation, an u there is much that nmy imw be achieved by the representatives of his Majesty’/* Governments in friendly consultation. The Twelfth Congress of the Federation of Chambers ol Commerce of the British Empire, held in London last May, decided Butt the important resolutions it passed on tjm question of commercial relations ht the Empire should he conveyed bv deputation it© -the ‘lmperial Codifera ence. The Federation e/; bled to the Dominion Prime Ministers, and also .communicated with bin Majesty's Uov-erruftfU-t in the UKited- Kingdom.

calling their attention to these resolutions, and expressing the hope that they would give their favourable consideration to the Federation’s request for a hearing, In this it received the support of the Associations of Chamliers of Commerce in the various parts of the Empire. The replies from the Prime Ministers and from the Government in this country indicated tVieir willingness that the Federation should he given on oppor trinity of elaborating its views by deputation before the Economic Section of the Conference, and a letter has now been received from the Secretary of State for the Dominions informing the Federation that the necessary arrangements will be made. Tile four main resolutions passed by the Congress pointed out that under modern conditions large, unfettered markets were essential for economic production. They urged the appointment of a commission, accredited by the Governments of the various parts of the Empire, and having in its personnel adequate representation of the business interests of th e Empire and economic experts, to draw up a well considered scheme for effective economic co-operation between the various parts of the Empire with a view to the greatest development of the potential resources of each section, and ultimateiiy, or* equitable terms, the economic union of the whole. The various Governments were also urgeto examine their, own fiscal policies, with a view to ascertaining in wharespects they might be amended io the interests of the trade of other portions of the Empire without damage to their own industries. The Congress once more reiterated its conviction that a wide and well considered extension of Imperial preferences would be found to be tbe most effective method of bringing about a greater measure of Imperial economic cohesion, but at the same time recognized the important part which could be played by mergers, trade arrangements, voluntary preferences, scientific research and (the- rest. Tt is conceivable to believe that these , negotiations from responsible public ■, men at Home buoyed lip the delegates in their hopes and expectations reeai lvig the Conference, and the disillusionment which has now manifested itself must lie a very cold douche indeed.