ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 26, 31 January 1923, Page 4

ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

An Economic Conference is to be held in London this year, and the Prime Minister is satisfied that "it may do a great deal of good." So much he assured the Bank Officers' Guild at its recent social gathering. The precise nature of the subjects to be discussed by that Conference he did not disclose, but there is no doubt about the number and variety of economic problems concerning the Empire that are awaiting solution, and the sooner they are settled the better. As it turns out, the condition of political affairs, in Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand is of so delicate a character that it would be exceedingly difficult, as Mr. Massey perceived, for any of those countries to spare any leading members of their Legislatures to take part in such a Conference. Personally, he would prefer that the Conference should be held next year; but in any case New Zealand would be represented. The Government will require, and the country will expect, that its representative at that Conference shall have practical experience of the economic conditions and problems of New Zealand in. particular, of the British Empire in general, and, to some extent, of foreign countries as well. The business of the Conference, we assume, is purely economic in

character. If'it is not possible for a Minister or for the High Commissioner to attend, arrangements might be made to have New Zealand represented by some financial expert with the necessary experience and qualifications. Such a practical authority on finance a,nd economics as Sir Harold Beauchamp would be to New Zealand's advantage, but we do not know if his services are available. As the matter is one of some urgency, it is time that the Government seriously considered the position.