OTTAWA MEETING

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1932, Page 5

OTTAWA MEETING

MANY ARRIVALS ALL DELEGATIONS IN CANADA. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) OTTAWA, July 18. A mcosage from on board the s.s. “Empress of Britain” states: Radiant , skies welcomed the Brit.sii", South Afri- [ c-an, Indian, Nortli’.Tri' •Ireiai.d ",and Southern Rhodesian delegatiahs’"to Canadian waters on tSmi/lay as* tIR steamer’passed tlnougii ‘tiie’-Stra.ts of Relie lisle into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. She probably will dock at Quebec on Monday at 1 p.m. EIRE ON “EMPRESS OF BRITAIN.’'’ MR BALDWIN MANTA INS ORDER. . . OTTAWA, July 18. While .the s.s. “Empress of Britain” was at sea, a minor blaze was started by a fused eleqtric wire in a room on the ship on Sunday night. It threatened, .to create a flurry, which was avoided by the presence of mind of Mr Stanley Baldwin, the President of the British Delegation to the Imperial Conference. Towards .the lend of the usual , concert, smoke was shen curling up near the stage. Mr Baldwin, who_. was presiding, announced quietly: 4‘Tha.t ends the programme!” The crowded’ room then emptied without disorder," and the fire was soon extinguished. A message- from on board the s..s. “Empress of Britain” states: “Prayer for the success of the British Imperial Conference was urged by His Eminence Cardinal Verdier, the Archbishop of.,Parts, following the celebration of Mass on board the Empress of Britain on Sunday. He said: ..“The Conference is restricted to the many peoples of the British Yet, in material things, it offers an example which might well serve as an inspiration to others.” , ,

WORLD COMMODITY PRICES

CONSTITUTES CHIEF PROBLEM.

WINNIPEG, July 18

The Canadian newspapers interviewed Mr S. Bruce (Australia) at \yimupeg, when he said: “This is the first 1 Imperial Economic Conference for which adequate prepaiations have been made. Australia has been working on s Empire trade problems for the .past four months, and is going to> Ottawa well equipped to discuss every phase. There .is really, only one.problem,..namely, that of the world commodity prices. Although the British nations are un- ‘ able wholly to solve it, the Ottawa Conference could make a substantial contribution. Canada has the maximum problem, because of her . great industrial development. Australia’s problems . are much smaller ones, because, although possessing considerable secondary industries, practically all of her export are primary products. Canada’s position is more difficult than that of the other Dominions, because she is both a primary and secondary exporting country.”

Mr Bruce said ha saw great opportunities for Canada in industrial cooperation with Britain, Both countries with the assistance of the industrial leaders, could isay. “This market is for you ! ' That for us!”

He added: “There is a great opportunity for Canada? to give a lead in this connection.”

AUSTRALASIANS ENTERTAINED

OPINIONS OF THE DELEGATES

VANCOUVER, July 15

..The Board of Trade entjrtaih&d the Australian and New Zealand' delegations at luncheon

Mr 'Gullett emphasised that a rich , opportunity exists for a wide range of Australian-Onnadian trade. Tile depression, thus far, lias prevented the trade treaty showing its full value, nevertheless, it has already been of considerable assistance to both countries, He was confident that when normal conditions returned, the advantages from the treaty would he greatly enhanced. “Although the discussions at Ottawa will chiefly centre upon Anglo-Dominion readjustments, I hope the opportunity will he taken of the conversations with Mr 'Stevens with a view to the ultimate expansion of the treaty. Ottawa represents n new effort in Empire building. It is desirable that an attempt be made to perfect Empire trade machinery, during the depression, ensuring earlier recovery, when confidence and hotter /price levels return. Mr Downio Stewart recall'd that. New Zealaliders and the were companions in arms, and were now companions in d'stress. Ho was confident that th'e Empire, which had solved apparently insoluble problems connected with glutting colonies selfgovernment a century ago, would now likewise solve the present problems, despite the fact that these were more ! intricat' and difficult and full of dr.nI ger. When Mr Stev.ns was negotiatj ino t|-« treaty, lie displayed the utmost goodwill an,i the. Ottawa delegates were equally reasonable, the Conference must succeed. The delegations cntrn'ned eastward. The Chairman recalled that all four Ministers had distinguished themselves chHtv* the war in the rommon cause with the Canadians. Peace must have its victories too*.

Mr Coatee said that this conference* may bo' the means of bringing new I hope and incentive to all the British 1 peoples. The eyes of every British j citizen were turned to Ottawa. Mr Gulllett said: Our mission is essentially business, but business on a grand scale. ‘ ' Laughter greeted Mr Gullett’s admisioii that when sitting on Opposition, ha declared that the Canadian tradte treaty was not much good. Now ho frankly admitted its value. - Mr Stewart said he was glad that the conference was not being held New Zealand because his budget would hot etaiid the strain of such, hospitality. EMPIRE WHEAT POLICY:" • MONTREAL, July/"17. : ' •‘‘The Empire is a net exporter -of wheat, and the main line of any wolifounded policy must he towards the cultivation of good relations with all of the wheat importing colmtri.es,’' said Sir Arthur Holmes, one of tho representatives of the National LedeJation of the Corn Trades Association here, when en route to tho Ottawa Conference.