DELEGATES AT MANSION HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 238, 5 October 1923, Page 5

DELEGATES AT MANSION HOUSE.

i EMPIRE DEVELOPMENT. j LONDOX, October 4. ; Members of the Conference were entertained at the Mansion House by the Lon-1 don Chamber of Commerce, Sir Thomas j Barclay, chairman of the council of the j chamber, presiding over a representative | company of 53 business mc«ii and mem- j confidence ofr the trading and industrial j bers from the Dominions.

Replying to the toast of the Economic Conference, the Duke of Devonshire said that while appreciating the difficulties before the conference, he waa determined to find a solution. The Conference wished to obtain a sense of security and confidence for the trading and industrial classes. The Empire had proved the greatest war organisation in history, but today it was the greatest organisation known in history for the preservation of the peace of the world.

Mr. Burton (South Africa) urged that the question of free trade and protection was no longer n fetish, but should be decided on its merits. He emphasised that it was essential the Conference should observe the principle that each part of the Empire retain the right to frame its own fiscal policy. Departure would strike a severe blow at the unity of the Empire. Replying to the toast of the Empire overseas, Mr. Massey said he questioned whether the present system of developing the newer countries of the Empire was satisfactory. He was of opinion that the system should be materially improved. The Empire contained countries largely undeveloped, which, with the smallest encouragement, would produce practically all the foodstuffs required. Britain and the Empire should be made self-supporting. Mr. Maseey declared himself a believer in preference, although he admitted there were other ways than customs tariffs in which preference could be given.—(Rcuter.)