WORLD CONFERENCE
N.Z. PREMIER’S VIEW # CURRENCIES AND QUOTAS. (Per Press Association, Copyright). WELLINGTON, September 17. Speaking at Wellington upon iiis return, Air r'orhes, in maxing reference to the World Monetary aiiu Economic Conference, stated that it was very valuable experience for him and the Hon. Mr Masters to have participated in a conference attended by delegates from more than sixty nations. He said: “It is most interesting to hear from these representtaives the accounts of how their countries had suffered during the last four years, and of the measures which they had taken to' meet the problems of the depression. We had thought that the measures adopted in New Zealand had been somewhat drastic, but, after learning what man others countries had done in this respect, we were forced to the conclusion that New Zealand had been relatively moderate in the steps that she had taken. It was . unfortunate that negotiations for the stabilisation of currencies should have broken down at the Conference, but under the conditions prevailing, .this breakdown was inevitable. It does not seem to be possible to roconcidlo the views of monetary mutters held in the gold standard • countries of Europe with the programme that the United States has had to undertake. Other questions raised at the Conference were also so complicated and far-reaching that it. was not practicable to do much more than to define and explore them in the time that was available. ;< The Conference has not been abandoned. It has merely been adjourned, and part of its work is being carried on by committees; but it is doubtful whether it will be re-assembled before a much greater measure of real agreement is achieved among leading countries, or whether .the representatives of so large a group of nations will be ever assembled by this Conference again.” v i
In concluding his remarks concerning the Conference, Mr Forbes stated that, in the matter of definite and congrete agreements, ft would appear that little had been accomplished, but that in the wider and deeper understanding of the difficulties and experiences of other countries, and of the methods adopted for overcoming those difficulties, the gains had been.very material.'
, “In addition to our work at the Conference,” confined Mr Forbes, “both Mr Masters and I took the opportunity while in ‘London of looking into and investigating many matters affecting the welfare of the i>o trillion. We maintained the closest touch with the representatives of New Zealand Producers’ Hoards in London, as well as with the (‘(minneii .respectively of the Meat Board and Dairy Board, why were in England at the time, and had consultations and discussions with prominent importers and others associated with the distribution and marketing of our primary products.” The Prime Minister felt confident that these contacts would prove beneficial to the producing interests in New Zealand.
“We also maintained regular consultations with representatives of the United Kingdom and the other Dominions on various matters affecting the Empire as a whole, as well as the Dominions individually. One result of these consultations,” continued Mr Forbes, “is to be seen in the agreement on Empire monetary policy signed by Great Britain and the Dominions, and published at the conclusion of the Conference.
“One of the proposals which loomed largely in our discussions with British Ministers and officials was that put of or ward by them for the quantitative regulation of the importation of butter, and subsequently, of ' cheese, into the United Kingdom. We maintained that the matte]- was one which we were not in a position to decide until ) we had had an opportunity of consulting those directly concerned, the primary producers of the Dominion. We further suggested that it would be 'a considerable help if representatives of the farming interests in the United Kingdom could visit New Zealand and explain their difficulties directly to our producers, and, in turn, obtain firsthand informatoji as to the problems facing tlie latter. I am glad to say that, as a result of a meeting with the president and representatives of the National Farmers’ Union, and subsequently correspondence, the Union cockled to arrange for Mr Thomas Baxter, a past president of the Union Mid the chairman of their milk and dairy produce committee, to' ; "visit New Zealand. Mr'Baxter will arrive, by the lonic on Tuesday. I feel confident that the closer mutual under- j standing arising out of this visit and out of the interchange of views which will result will be a real advantage to both parties. “It. was a great pleasure (to us on our-return voyage across the Pacific Ocean to call at Rarotonga and to receive a very cordial welcome "from the Arikis, chiefs and people of this beautiful outpost of New Zealand. Very complete arrangements had been made by the Resident Commissioner, Judge My so n, and the Arikis, for our reception and entertainment, and a very enjoyable day was spent by the New Zealand party. “I am greatly indebted to the Rt. Hon. Mr Coates, who lias acted as Prime Minister, and to my other colleagues in the Ministry for shouldering tlie additional responsibility and
Ministerial duties occasioned by the absence of myself and the Hon. Mr Masters. Their task has been by no means a light one, and a good deal of credit is due to them for the manner in which they have carried the country through its difficulties during an anxious and stressful period. “I have been pleased to, hear that there are evidences of returning confidence and stability in commercial and financial circles in the Dominion, and 1 sincerely trust that these signs foreshadowed growing and lasting improvement in the national welfare.” In conclusion the Prime Minister said that he felt satisfied that the visit of himself and Mr Masters had been well worth while. The knowledge and experience which they had gained would be used to the best advantage in the interests of the Dominion.
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Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1933, Page 5
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984WORLD CONFERENCE Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1933, Page 5
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