OTTAWA DELEGATES

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1932, Page 6

OTTAWA DELEGATES

OPTIMISTIC OF CONFERENCE.

ADDRESS BV THE LEADERS*

‘(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

VICTORIA, July 14

The Australian and New Zealand delegates to the Imperial Conference arrived oil Thursday morning, by the Aorangi.

They had an eventful voyage, during which ' a vast volume of prelim!work - wjxs accomplished,, and everyone is optimistic tlfefc 'signal results will be achieved at tfys.moinenjPjjfcr conference, opening next Tnurs-

imposing assemblage of repre-

of dominion, provincial and Civic authorities boarded the Aorangi, to welcome the delegates, and assured them of Canada’s confidence that the outcome of the parley will be mutually beneficial.

The provisional Government entertained the delegations at luncheon at the palatial Empress Hotel. Mr S. M. Bruce, responding, struck a hopeful note that the Conference would bring better times to the British nations who now have the opportunity to give a lead to the world.

“Surely, if, as the result ; of our common kinship,' interests, • ties, aspirations, outlook and ideals, we cannot agree to help each other, the prospect for the test of the world seems father hopeless. That is why Ottawa seems to me tb be the beginning of a new phase of the world situation.” Mr Bruce recalled, amid -cheers, ’that, when returning from the 1926 'conference, the British Columbia Pariiaihent honoured him by inviting him to speak from the floor of the House. Then, prosperity was general, and . there’ Was no urgency for an Empire economic policy. “To-day, \ye are all desperately hard up, and must do something. One reason for my confidence in the successful issue at Ottawa is the fact that, despite great difficulties three dominions represented here ■ to-day have mutual trade tieaties. Seeing that the dominions are interested' chiefly in primary products, their task at Ottawa should be easier, because Britain will be, able to exchange secondary products for primary products. Australia is keenly expectant of tangible achievement at Ottawa, hnd would be deeply disappointed uhless a lafge measure of success is attained.” 1

The Hon. J. G. Coates said: “All ,bf His Majesty’s subjects are. looking forward to Ottawa with high expectations. Even if all the hopes . are not realised, the ground-work can be laid for a great scheme of Imperial cooperation. Our Australian, colleagues, •like, ourselves are approaching the Conference with the desire for mutual helpfulness. Since the 1930 conference, the burdejl Of ~ depression ■ has 'settled heavily upon us. This Conference is ■both- of adversity,’ add its problems are immediately’ connected with the welfare and employment of our citm tfens.” ■;.. \.

I The. delegates leave Va-ncouver tomorrow by special train, stopping at Bahff, Lake Louise, and arriving at Ottawa on Tuesday.