TRADE AFTER THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1915, Page 5

TRADE AFTER THE WAR.

A PROPOSED CONFERENCE. London, Dec. 19. Mr. W. Hewins, M.P., chairman of the Unionist Business Committee, interviewed regarding the debate on January i, said that the whole German economic fabric waa based on the Central European treaty system. Seventy-five per cent, of the German trade was done with local European treaty Powers and the British" Empire. German war finance was based upon the secure possession of this trade. Germany would be horrified if the British Empire announced that she was determined to make the system imposible in future. There would be a panic if Germany was convinced that the resources of the Empire in fature would be used for the benefit of the British Empire. The fear would naturally shorten the war. The Empire could do this by making it clear that Britain after the war intended to use her power for bargaining. This would force Germany to consider her conception of the most favored nation clause. The visit of Mr. Hughes to London in the new year would give a nucleus for an Imperial Economic Conference for the purpose of taking immediate action. Sir R. ißorden could easily attend, and South Africa could be represented. The conference should take the initiative in fixing a tripartite tariff, giving preferential terms for the Empire, a revenue tariff for the (Allies, and a penalising tariff for enemies. Mr. Hewins added that he understood the 'British Government had already communicated with Australia and the Dominions concerning some problems which could 'be discussed at such a conference. Among these were the destruction of German influence, including the control of the Empire's metals by aliens, organisation of Imperial food supplies, and the possibility of framing a British 'imperial navigation system. ANZAC MEN IN LONDON. A CHRISTMAS TREAT. London, Dec. 19. A branch of the Australian Natives' Association gave a Christmas treat at the Anzac Club. There was a large attendance of Australian and New Zealand soldiers and civilian friends. Lady Birdwood visited the club and presented each man with a speciallydesigned Christmas card. A feature of the entertainment was a Christinas tree laden with "books, tobacco, cigarettes, pipes, and shaving outfits. The majority of the recipients were wounded