ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 16, 19 July 1923, Page 6

ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

Though, the Empire Economic Conference may have a great effect upou the future of New Zealand, little attention has hitherto been given to the question of our representation. This is chiefly because attention has been concentrated upon the Premiers' Conference, which, will deal .with wider political issues. It is- now generally accepted that Mr. Massey will attend the latter gathering, and. 'the question arises: will it be possible for him, unaided, to represent this Dominion at the Economic Conference also? Mr. J. Myers suggested yesterday that Mr. Massey should be assisted at the Economic meeting by a business man qualified by wide experience to interpret the views of producing and commercial interests. We believe it would be wise, in any circumstances, that such a man should accompany the Prime Minister; but if the two Conferences are to sit simultaneously, such- an arrangement will be imperative. Canada is sending a host of representatives. We do not think it necessary to follow the Canadian example; but •it is essential that Mr. Massey, so far as is possible, should be relieved of detailed work and left free to give his attention to vital questions of principle. Those questions will naturally be determined finally by the Prime Ministers, but the ground will be prepared to some extent in the Economic Conference, arid New' Zealand should take part in that preparation. We presume that the Government has been advised of the procedure to be followed, bub the information has

not yet been made public. Information that has come to us in the Press cable messages suggests, however, that there will be ample work for a non-political business representative. If such a representative is to be appointed, he should be chosen soon, so that he may prepare for the Conference by 'collecting information and opinions upon questions that will b's submitted for consideration. We understand that some progress has been made in consulting representative bodies upon Imperial economic policy issues, but the views that have been obtained will require to be carefully analysed and harmonised if they are to carry any weight in the Conference deliberations. All this calls for time, and there is little time left.