OTTAWA ASSEMBLY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1932, Page 5

OTTAWA ASSEMBLY

COMMITTEES MEET l \ * : • INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUED. (United Press Association—By Electrii Telegraph—Copyright.)

V ..; OTTAWA, August 8. The Currency Committee further considered, the experts’ outlining schemes of raising prices apcl stabilising exchanges. Important fundamental policies wore •discussed. The scl/.ct- committee’s report will be’ presented at the plenary session, during the next few days. . ; • The Cereals Committee held a first meeting, ; with Mr Stevens as chairman. Canada, as expected, presented a strong request for wheat preferences,

details of,, which are kept ia close iaecret, but it is variously reported five per cent., four cents a bushel,, five cents Si. bushel or two shillings a quarter; also the alternative restriction of. Rulsian wheat.-. - The • general atmosphere of the 'wheat position is* that the Britishers may grant CfWinda’s request bvem though Australia is lukewarm thereon, being conyiiJifed l 0 that preference has hardly any- value. It

~ is difficult for'Britishers tdiTefuse preference, seeing ■ Canada for internal

jjoliticnl purposes, la too; strongly preising tkii.; claim. Moreover, whatever, the;;result of preference, It is generally vagreed that British con* surneps will not .'be prejudiced, because the world price, cannot bp affected in view of the Empire’s surplus production. : Australia is firmly taking itip the position that wheat preference shall not be regarded a® a concession from Britain to Australia.

, The 'Sub-Committee on Economic Cooperation continued the investigations. It is expected. ,th,at there are., still 10 days’ intensive,- work ah-ad., of the Conference-.' The Dominions’ delegai(fis are gratified that/ Canada’s delay has not debarred the British delegations, continuing ,individual negotiations. Mr./ .Coates has been appointed ohafiim’an of the Shipping Committee. hLr' Bruce represents'': Australia, others being British and Canadian representatives. The committee preliminarily discussed America’s par-, ticipation in the Pacific trade to Fiji,, New Zealdpd and Australia.,’ ;

AUSTRALIA’S NEGOTIATIONS.

GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE

’ - > OTTAWA, August 8. I British ’‘Ministers again conferred ' for ninety minutes with My Bruce and Mr Gullet. - 1 ' The conversations are proreeding smoothly, and continuing tomorrow. . -G ; ’y , ,IMt BrtffcS is pledsefl -wM Hire • progress; There are naturally many difficult points requiring prolonged discussion, .hufc.no insuperable obstacle to a mutually satisfactory 1 ' 7 agreement which is expected within a few days.. }': It appears probable that Australia, will 'be the first Dominion. to reach -finality, beoauso.the indications are fhatthe Britishers regardless of progress or l?ck thereof, with other Dominions, will announce the decisions affecting Commonwealth trade to the Australian delegations. Though '-the Britishers may delay any vital pronouncement of policy 'until the claims of all the Dominions have been mar- . ..shalled for a ebrnprehensive survey, and the bargaining with all completed. Mr Bruce,* maintains scrupulous silence regarding the concessions Australia is prepared-to make. '"O ; ,

IRISH DELEGATE DEPARTS

OTTAWA, August 8

The Free State 'Minister’iif Agriculture (Dr. Ryan) accompanied' by the Secretary of ;the Department XMriMey--rick) ‘ is. leaving for lioihe. to-nfght. If is officially - a view to .avoiding misinterpretation, that the departure does not involve any change in the Free 'State’s position at thff Coliferenoe. ; Dr. Ryan has an'. important agricultural report , to prepare in Dublin. The remaining delegates are continuing in active cooperation with .the Conference’s committees. . .• .

ANGLO-CANADIAN DIFFERENCE

OTTAWA, August 8

It is officially announced that_ Britishers sent. 1a: written communication to the Canadians, replying ; to their propels.-. This is regarded' as confirming the , reports that Canada's original reciprocal scheme is Unsatisfactory.; at certain points/ There is no question of disagreement, the Britishers merely pointing out the further (/.moos'ions which they consider Chnrda should grant, in order to make a fair business deal.