MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1919, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

TRADE PROBLEMS. LIGHT ON GOVERNMENT POLICY WANTED. London, .March 10. Sir Auckiand Geddes said the Government meant to tackle the whole problem of import?, exports and re-exports, the dispersal of stocks jf raw materials, and the building up of industries damaged by th* war. International trade should be stimulated. A discussion followed, in which the Free Traders vigorously assailed thy proposal-, declaring that they would create new vested interests.

Other critics protested that the statement of Eir Auckland Geddes left the country in the dark whether the Government proposed to revert to free imports, to continue the prohibitions, or adopt tariffs. The statement meant that the Government required half a year to consider the matter.

Mr Bridgeman, replying, said there was no absolute evidence that any of the Allies were getting orders for which we were enable to compete owing to the restriction?. The Government was carefully watching, and representations would be made to foreign conntries if the suggestions were true He promised a 'list of restrictions as soon as possible.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE CHANNEL TUNNEL.

PARLIAMENTARY SANCTION Received 14, 11.30 p.m. London, March 13. Mr Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, said that before the Channel tunnel was begun the matter would be investigated. The sanction of Parliament would be required.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assoc. ARMY APPOINTMENTS Received March 14, 10.50 p.m. London, March 13. Sir Douglas Haig has been appointed commander of the Home force, and General Robertson is to command the army of occupation on the Rhine.—Reuter.