OTTAWA MEETING

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1932, Page 5

OTTAWA MEETING

N.Z. DELEGATES

EXPORTERS REPRESENTATIONS. (By Telegraph—ter Frees Association) WELLINGTON, April 8. A deputation comprising organisations representing every section of the primary producing industries of the viz., the New' Zealand Fanners’ Union, the New Zealand Sffiespowners’ Federation, the Meat Board, the Dairy Board, the Pig Producers, and all of the Federated Dairj Factory Associations, throughout the Dominion, waited upon the Prime Ministcr (Mr Forbes), Messrs Coates, Downie Stewart, and R. Masters, this afternoon, to urge the necessity for the early appointment .of a Dominion Delegation for the Ottawa Conference, and that that* delegation should indiid the Prime Minister and Mr Coates as Leaders of the Government; and also that it should include Sir James Parr, tile Leader of the Legisla tive Council for- the sake of Ills expert advice and experience. . The deputation was introduced by Mr Poison, .M.P., President of the Farmers’ Union. Mr D. Jones, Chairman of the Meat Board, presented a considered • statement setting out the viewsfof the deputation, arrived at hi the. course of full discussions in meet ings .'held over the last two days in Wellington. After full consideration, the primary producers, in their confer cnees, had unanimously decided to re quest that the Prime Minister and Mr C-oates should lead the delegation. They were convinced that the leaders of both Parties should head the delegation. Such an action would carry weight, and the importance of the occasion called for it. The Producers considered the Government should avail itself of the best possible expert to accompany these leaders, and in their opinion this expert was Sir J. Parr. The appointment of an official delegation should he made at the earliest possible date. This was strongly urged in order that the producers’ organisations should be able to place views before them. It was also desired to get into touch with the producing interests in Australia.

The Prime Minister, in thanking the deputation for' its views, said it va.s recognised that the principal question facing the Ottawa Conference was that of preference. The Cabinet had been in touch with the British Government and the British Trade Commissioner, and also with Australia, collecting information and data.. The discussion ■would centre round £he extension and continuance of preference banking, and currency would also be discussed. This would affect the representation. He hoped to be able, to announce the representation shortly.