EMPIRE PREFERENCE

Otago Witness, Issue 4030, 9 June 1931, Page 65

EMPIRE PREFERENCE

AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW

Referring to Empire preference and Freetrade at the annual conference on Tuesday of the Otago Provincial Branch of th New Zealand Farmers’ Unidn, the president (Mr J. D. Revie), who delivered a long address on the subject to last year’s conference, expressed the opinion that although little progress had yet been made, the capse was by no means lost. He regarded as a hopeful sign the existence of Imperial sentiment, and suggested that acceptance of the principle of Imperial preference would ultimately follow.

Before 1 proceed,” he said, “ to a discussion of current conditions in the primary industries, which I feel must be the chief consideration at this conference, I would beg your indulgence for a few moments while I deal briefly with the position as we find it to-day in regard to the vita] question of Empire preference ana ertetrade, which you will remember was the subject of my address to you last June. Notwithstanding the fact that so little headway was made with Empire rreetrade at the Imperial Conference last year, I am still (irmly of the opinion that it is absolutely essential to the establishment and maintenance of a united and prosperous Empire. There is no lack ot support for this view in the attitude of prominent public m.n in Great Britain, who have shown themselves to be by no means dismayed at the virtual breakdown of negotiations which were expected to produce such great fruit. Moreover, Imperial sentiment in the dominions is very strong, and is bound sooner or later to find expression in Imperial preference, to the ultimate good of every country in the British Empire. At the present time it must be admitted that progress is difficult, as Great Britain does not appear to know what she wants herself. That, however, is her own affair, and we must simply wait until after she has adjusted her domestic affaire to the point where the unreasonable fear of food taxes upon the part of her people will have lost its terrors for consumers.”

It was certain, he continued, that the dominions could absorb more British goods than they were doing at the present time, and there could be no doubt whatever that Britain could with advantage draw more than 26 per cent, of her imports from the dominions. " Empire preference aimed at securing for the various parts of the Empire most of the trade that was represented by the 74 per cent, of her imports which Great Britain drew from foreign countries every year. Disappointment would be felt at Britain’s refusal to enter whole-heartedly into the scheme, but the fact remains that an offer has been made which must be accepted in time. We are ready and willing to support any sound plan for increasing and developing trade within the Empire in an effort to assist both Britain and ourselves. We looked to the Imperial Conference to find that plan, but no definite proposal was made, and we are really just w-here we were before, with this exception, that widespread interest has been aroused in the idea, and is being fostered by some of the ablest and most influential leaders of trade in the Empire. — (Applause.)