OVERSEAS LEAGUE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 82, 7 April 1933, Page 9

OVERSEAS LEAGUE.

Members of the Overseas League and their friends had the pleasure of listening to two very interesting speeches last evening, when Sir. Priestman first addressed the large gathering in place of Mr. Croft, Canadian Trade Commissioner, who was unavoidably absent, having been called to Wellington on an important trade conference, and later Mr. F. W. Doidge spoke on the fiscal policy of Great Britain. Mr. J. Alexander, president of the league, was in the chair, and introduced Mr. Priestman as the representative of our sister Dominion, Canada. He also asked the members to give a hearty welcome to Mrs. Priestman, and Mrs. and Miss Little, members of the Overseas League, who will shortly be leaving for Shanghai. Mr. Priestman, of Canada, who had offered his services on learning that Mr. Croft was unable to be present, was given a hearty reception, and, after he had delivered Mr. Croft's apologies, discussed Empire trade, particularly that of New Zealand with Canada. There were many 6miles oyer the reminder that Canada had had the sales tax since 1913, and lately had asked to. have it increased rather than have to face new taxes with which they were not conversant. Regard-

ing the Ottawa conference, results were not entirely satisfactory, but time was needed to improve the headway that had ■ been made. Mentioning the butter trade between .New Zealand and Canada, Mr. Priestman explained that the United States had closed the cream and milk trade between herself and Canada by an immense tariff; and Canada had to do something with such perishable product*, and the only solution was to make butter. Besides, the grain farmers in the prairies were now offered only 2/ a bushel for their wheat, and not being able to procure it at such a low figure, had to resort to dairying for a living. Mr. Priestman also made it quite clear that grain was the trade of the prairies, and that the farmers would be only too glad to return to it when the prices rose. Fortunately for Canada, the Forestry Department of Trade was holding its own, though suffering like other industries from the depression. The mineral industry also was doing fairly well. But manufactures showed a decrease of 11 per cent in unemployment. In spite of all this, among the people of Canada there ran a strong current of optimism, and now, as always, there was an unconquerable spirit in the West. Canada was one of the most ideally situated countries in the world. It was within a week's journey of Europe on the Atlantic, and was the gateway to the Orient on the Pacific, and in that way close to all markets. New Zealand was unfortunate in being so isolated, but as Mr. Priestman remarkedj it had many compensations. Mr. Alexander then introduced Mr. Doidge, who spoke of Great Britain, its free trade and protection, and its present fiscal policy, after which motion pictures were shown of Canada by Mr. Tonkin son, who was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his services. Mr. Hopehayne spoke a few words "of thanks to the chairman and the speakers, and supper followed.