VARIOUS TOPICS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1924, Page 2

VARIOUS TOPICS

FINANCE, DEFENCE, AND UNEMPLOYMENT.

Mr. Massey expressed himself optimistic ; regarding the prospects of New Zealand's overseas trade. He believed the wool prices -would be maintained for years, as the world demand was bound to continue. The market conditions for dairy produce were quite good, and would remain so for the season. As regards finance, the present was not a favourable time for raising loans in London, and it" was not necessary for the Dominion to raise a loan, but New Zealand would get, at best terms, all the money she needed when required. of interest •charges could not be discussed until the political position had settled down. As regards interim and final exchanges, the Conference was of opinion that there should' be a steady policy of return to the effective gold' standard. As regards naval defence, he said that one result of what was done by the Imperial Conference would be demonstrated in the Empire cruise of tha Hood and Repulse. New Zealand boys were doing exceptionally well in their training for the Navy at Home. "Will the advent of the Labour Government affect the decisions of the Conference as a Whole, and the more important questions of Dominion status and^ Imperial relationships?" he was asked. _"I do not, care to discuss these questions at all," replied Mr. Massey, "untiHts general policy is disclosed." "The people of New Zealand have no conception at,all of the actual industrial conditions in Great Britain," said Mr. Massey. "The range and economic effect of unemployment is appalling. Very few people really approve of the system of doles, but it seems difficult to avoid. Its practice, to some extent, is a subject that is interrelated to the question of overseas settlement. Here, again, as with Empivo trade and preference, and other Imperial questions of policy, a change in British politics intervenes. Trade and settlement are complementary to eacli other, and all that can be said is that New Zealand will continue to absorb as many British immigrants as possible, and link them to Dominion activities and prosperity. Trade conditions demand that everything possible should be done to demonstrate at the Empire Exhibition the extent, and quality u£ New Zealand

products. Cgmpetition is very keen m Britain, and if we are to keep our , market we must see that there is no depreciation in quality and marketing of our produce." " .