The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1932. POLITICAL DIFFERENCE'S.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1932. POLITICAL DIFFERENCE'S.

In the course of an address to the electors in support of candidature of the Coalition candidate, a reply was madia by the Hon. J. G. Coates to ■switemeiats made by a. member of the Labour party in til© couise of an address at Takaka in which lie was reported as having said: “If anyone could prove that as a result of the Ottawa Conference employment was going to be made for mole people, ha would resign hits seat and keep out of politics for the rest of his life. The only result of Ottawa in Now Zealand was that it would put- hundreds out of work.” This challenge Mr uoates accepted, stating has reply was that New Zealand’s agreement with Great Britain made at Ottawa affects our primary producers and every citizen in New Zealand. The facts are that had we not arrived at an agreement with Great Britain, all our butter and dairy by-products, also apples entering the United Kingdom would, after November loth., have had to pay a duty of 10 per cent. In other words, not only would we have lost our preference in the United States market products automatically would have "keen placed in the. same category as foreign products. That is, our butter exported to England would bear a duty of 15s per cwt, fruit would encounter a duty of 4s 6d per cwt, and so forth. Apparently. Mr Semple did! not know the effect of the Ottawa agreement. For instance, New Zealand butter had a specific duty advantage of 15s per cwt over foreign butter, and at present prices, the specific duty is invaluable and definitely increases the problem of the foreign competitor in our market. Now will Mr Semple or 'anyone else attempt to deny that this basis of preference is not only of great advantage to the primary, producers, but,.also to those engaged in industries? It is not only the man who produces the product who gets the advantage, but also those who work for him ( those who transport his goods, also agents, rail services, shipping services, and many other avenues of employment which depend oil the primary producer for their existence. With particular reference to lapphep and pears we can say with reasonable confidence that, providing quality is right f there is a wonderful future before the industry. The preference given at Ottawa in great measure secures a market for the future. It also gives security to intending fruitgrowers. The Labour party claim to be national in outlook. They claim to have a plan and to be concerned for the future of the country. They are endeavouring to persuade the people that they possess the secret of the solution of the present crisis, and could end the downward trend. If the Labour Party bt' sincere and possess a plan for readjustment which will contribute to the national good and future welfare, one may well ask why it is that they remain alcm from participating in a joint effort towards rehabilitation. An opportunity was offered and an invitation was given to them to join in the formation of a National Government, but they refused. What are the Labour Party’s proposals? We have heard much talk, but so far it has been impossible to gather anything constructive or helpful. All that would seem to emerge from the flow of eloquence is that the Labour party’s proposals indicate a mystic manipulation of tlie monetary system. Nothing of a definite nature appears, .and one is justified in concluding that the Labour Party in the country’s hour of ItriaJ are determined to dabble in Party politics. The interesting facts recorded enable the views of the delegate to l ie clearly expressed ( and make interesting reading.