The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1930. THE BRITISH ISSUE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1930. THE BRITISH ISSUE.

While the Imperial Conference reached only a negative decision on the question cf colonial preference with a view to develop Empire trade, it is clear the publicity which has resulted from the discussions, has placed the issuo in the forefront of British polities. The have seized on the conference failure with .widJty, and the whole subject will, doubtless, become one of major interest in the preparations far the coming general elections. Sir Neville Chamberlain, no doubt with thoughts of the efforts of his father Joseph Chamberlain in 1903 onwards, in the same direction, rebuked the Government for its lack of initiative at the opportunity of linking up the family ties by reciprocal trading arrangements which would Wake for the solidarity of the Empire at iarge. Sir Neviiie even went the length of Saying that his vpatty Would not shrink even from taxing foreign WheiVt rather “than forego the supreme advantage of true economic unity, This is a very frank confession of faith in a preference policy and must have an impressive effect. The Government at Home, however, has made some move with the object of meeting the agricultural situation, and has brought down a special measure for the •areater utilisation of the land. Again the Conservatives belittle the effort of the Government, and pointed out the proposal was to nlac.e more peoole on the land in small holdings without first nroteeting the home market for them. The measure however had the support of Mr Lloyd Georcre and with th° swing of the Liberals, the bill passed. Tt weis significant, however, that Mr Lloyd George’s remarks went Die length of stating that the country was getting top heavy and was running into clanger by depending overmuch on foreign food supplies! That ivns a sad confession to make in the light of the failure of Empire preference at the Conference, when for the asking. Britain had the markets r.i the Dominions open to the Home Countrv, if the oversea colonies were assisted against the foreigners. But the door was closed for the time being, an aot which prompted Sir Neville Chamberlain to remark that the Government to its lasting shame disappointed the Dominion representatives. Of course there are certain shibboleths in party politics which must be respected even to the bitter end in some crises. Such watch words as “no food taxes” is in such a category, and come what may, certain legislators would not he moved from such a conviction, though the heavens fall. Mr Snowden was adamant on the question of preferences as desired by the delegates, and it is not improbauw he was moved by big own line of thought in regard to the full 3 ffeet of taxation of foreign food supplies. Britain of course has close intertrading relations* with foreign countries where British interests are very considerable. There are the continental nations which while supplying foodstuffs, are alho good customers of British * products and manufactures. Then there is the notable case of Argentine, which while it sends iso much food supply regularly to Great Britain, has in return large sums of British capital invested in its railways. The Government has to study ih ; s interlacing of financial interests, and anv 'party which lias the final responsi hi lit v on its shoulders of giving a lead in the matter, will move eire-im-spcetlv. The late Joseph Chamb'<r--1 a in who was the first great champion for Empire trade, had to leave the Ministrv end become almost e lone advocate because his party would not take up the platform he desired. But opinions have expanded greatly s'ni-e then. There is a more considered inclement being passed on the issue in Britain to-dav, and the 'concensus of opinion seeing to be pointing to the

change so long advocated, yet so long lie,laved. But there is a growing feeling now and for that reason the subject will become n first class British issuo at next election.