Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1931, Page 4

In rather less than three weeks’ time, the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister, Mr G. W. Forbes, will be back in New Zealand, and he will find much on his hands as soon as he again takes up his duties. No doubt he has been a very busy man abroad. He had to rush away from Parliament and his voyage to Canada would be occupied wuth busy preparations for the tariff negotiations to take place at Ottawa as he passed through the great Dominion. Nothing definite has been disclosed in regard to those negotiations, which no doubt were carried on in person between the two Prime Ministers and their associate Ministers while at the Imperial Conference in London. Just at the moment Canada and Australia are on the verge of announcing a new treaty, and it may be expected what Australia can receive in the way of concessions for produce, will he available to Now Zealand, Meantime, we must wait and .see. In England, and throughout his. tour of Great Britain, Mr For ben represented this Dominion .very ably. He lias oome through with flying colours. At one stage, the political partisan press used his utterances of tariff proposals against the Labour Government in a bve-election, but what was quoted had been said already in the open, ar.d there was no charge of political opposition against Mr Forbes in the matter. He was sincere and earnest in his criticism of the attitude of the Labour Government towards Empire preference and the extra publicity given to the views was useful as emphasising the colonial viewpoint on the subject. No doubt Mr Forbes is returning regretting that the preference plank was not adopted at the Conference. The best he will be able to tell us i is that the matter remains in suspension until the time for the Ottawa Oonfedence arrives, unless a sneedier general Election at Home changes the whole complexion of Bi'itP.in’s fiscal policy. While going about Britain, Mr Forbc-s busied himself to see all that he could which would be of interest to New Zealand trade. He was able to inspect closely the markets and the methods of marketing. We filial! expect to hear definite views from him regarding matters affecting the dairy industry and the oversea trading. There is complaint over and over again that the New Zealand produce loses its identity once it is distributed for retail purposes. There is thus not the chance to build up a favoured taste for our produce, lor it is not retailed in any distinct New Zealand garb or name. Mr Forbes should have much to say on that point. He will likewise he very busy on his return with the many local problems | awaiting his attention. He will he a busy man indeed, and it is to be hoped the rest on the outward voyage will fit him physically for the ordeal he will be required to pass through. Certainly all will he pleased to welcome him back and find him ready for the important duties lie will have to discharge.