DUTY ON BUTTER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 291, 20 September 1930, Page 5

DUTY ON BUTTER

THE CANADIAN TARIFF.

MR FORBES STILL OPTIMISTIC.

MATTER REFERRED TO LONDON

(United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 8.1)0 a.m.) NEW YORK, September 19.

The Hon. G. W. Forbes (Prime Minister of New Zealand) and party arrived here this morning and sail by the Majestic for England to-day. The Australian, Press Association interviewed Mr Forbes and asked liim for a review of the results of his Canadian trip. Naturally the wind was taken out of our sails when, on arriving in Canada, we learned of the large increase in the duty on butter, said Mr Forbes. “We had planned to discuss with the Canadian Government trade matters of mutual interest, and had in mind a plan for increasing trade between the two Dominions. The increases in the duty on butter were an unexpected factor. Our discussions with the Prime Minister and Minister of Trade in Ottawa could only be brief. The Government was busy with its tariff measure and the business of the House. It was therefore decided to continue our discussions in London.” Mr Forbes personally seemed optim 7 istic and declared that a. solution would undoubtedly be reached before the Imperial Conference adjourned. He said he realised that the CanadianNew Zealand situation was only one aspect of tire entire Empire trade problem, which, he was confident, would be considerably advanced toward solution by the Imperial Conference. Mr Forbes said there was a realisation in Canada that there were instruments of redress available against any attempt to make the trade relationship between the two Dominions too one-sided. “The Prime Minister of Canada informed us,” continued Mr Forbes, that the increases in the duty on butter were necessary for the encouragement and protection of Canadian dairy farmers. I fell, that we understood, however, that the balance of trade had considerably favoured Canada and that it was impossible that an equitable interchange of commodities could long continue when the balance of trade favours one party to the serious disadvantage of the other.” Asked concerning the film tax, Mr Forbes said that film interests here had made no engagement to discuss the matter with him. _ He hoped that if his arrangements in London permitted, lie would return to New Zealand via the United States, and would visit Washington.

GOVERNMENT VICTORY.

MAJORITY OF 34 VOTES. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) OTTAWA. September 19. The Government’s motion to go into Committee of Ways and Means on the tariff proposals was carried m tlie Dominion House of Commons by a majority of 34. , , The Liberal amendment was deteated by 40 votes the Progressive sub-amendment by 170.