IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 237, 7 October 1930, Page 8

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

DOMINION TRADE PROBLEM. (Iteceived -.30 p.m.) LONDON", October G. Though today's and to-morrow's proceedings at the"lmperial Conference are concerned with many important subjects, they are questions not arousing Much general interest. The majority of conference delegates regard tlie discussions as a hiatus simply for postponing the opportunity of getting down to the vital problems which the Dominion delegates are hoping will mean the turning of a new page in°Empirc. trade arrangements. There is a persistent story that some Dominion representatives are anticipating that Mr. J. H. Thomas' statement on° trade proposals at Wednesday's plenary session, will not he a helpful contribution, and have again appealed for some gesture of reciprocity of a direct nature.

They have hinted that they are determined not to return liome without some basis of closer economic unity, and have even gone so far as to discuss some plan amongst themselves if Britain remains aloof. . Mr. Scullin, in this connection, declines to discuss the matter till he makes his speech at the plenary session. Mr. G. W. Forbes indicated that New Zealand at least wants the same preferences as Australia enjoys. Gossip in Canadian circles suggests Canada contemplates definitely ottering a wider measure of preferences to Britain, dividing all goods into three categories: Firstly, articles that Canada manufactures, on which a stiff protect] on will be placed; secondly, goods that are not made in Canada but in which Britaiu excels, on whicli will "be a substantial preference; and, thirdly, a smaller British preference on articles which are pot a British, speciality. In return for this, Canada will expect a 10 per cent preference or a tax on foreign wheat. There is still a strong impression that Britain will, on Wednesday, put preferences in the background, and will favour a scheme of bulk purchase.