IMPORTANT TRADE CONFERENCES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2683, 1 February 1916, Page 5

IMPORTANT TRADE CONFERENCES

EXPECTED PROCLAMATIONS

CUTTING DOWN THE IMPORTS

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, January 30. The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Hunciman) presided at sixteen important trade conferences during the week, deciding details. It is expected that a proclamation regarding paper,' buildinjj materials, and wood will be issued in a, few days, and concerning fruit and tobacco within a fortnight. _ The "Daily Mail" states tliat all fruit imports will' be prohibited, except bananas. Consumption will he restricted to home-grown fruit. The Board of Trado is determined that merchants with accumulated sfoclcs sliall not be allowed to make an oxtortiouate profit. PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT TO COME NEXT. London, January 30. The "Weekly Dispatch" say 6 that theatres, nitisic-halls, and kinema palaces will feature in the next Budget. THE BRITISH SOVEREIGN TO-DAY OUPv WONDERFUL FINANCIAL' STRENGTH. London, January 30. Sir Edward H. Holden, chairman of the London City and Midland Bank, in a remarkable analysis of the financial situation, says London is still the borrowing and gold centre of the world. A pound sterling, wliich had never had to carry such a load as at present, 'naturally declined in value in accordance with the law of supply and demand, but while the exchange value at New York dcpreciated_l.9 per cent., in Holland 10.3, in Spain .6, and in Scandinavia 3.9, it had enormously appreciated elsewhere. The pound was above par in Paris by 10.8. in Italy 25.4. The 10.3 decline in Holland was due to our having exported there tluriim the year only, seventeen and a- half millions, while we and a half millions. AYo could readjust this by sending gold to Holland, but it might find its May to Germany. Hie Bank of England has fifty .millions in.gold, the Government twenty-eight and a half millions. The joint stock banks also had large sums, while there was a continufrom South America.

NEW TRADE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED FOR IMPERIAL RECIPROCAL DEALINGS. l.onrjon, January 30Tlio Glasgow Chamber of Commerce lias urged the Government to establish a Department of Commerce and Industry ■-nnder a Minister of Cabinet rank, and to consult the Dominions wilh a view to establishing reciprocal trading laws dealing with enemy firms. It lias also suggested reciprocal tariffs between the Empire and the Allies. A LIVERPOOL SUGGESTION. (Rec. February 1, 0.45 a.m.) London, January 31. A special committee of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce recommends making the Empire self-supporting, independent of tlie Central Powers, and developing trade with British Allies. THE GERMAN SPECTRE OF BANKRUPTCY "TERRIFYING TRUTH" SHOULD BE DIVULGED. Amsterdam, January 30.' The Berlin newspaper "Die Post" deplores the financial situation, and the Government's policy of concealment. It declares that it will bo a great mistake if the people are not gradually acquainted with the position, which' is terrifying. But few people have any idea how serious it is. Even the highest thinkable .indemnity will not prevent stupendous additions to the nest Budget. DOG-FLESH FOR THE GERMAN HUNGRY. London, January 30. The Copenhagen correspondent of the "Central News" Agency states that the people of Germany hare been advised to kill all dogs except the most costly and the best breeds. The flesh may be eaten, and the skins will provide the soldiers with coats.