EMPIRE PREFERENCE

Evening Post, Issue 113, 10 November 1930, Page 10

EMPIRE PREFERENCE

NOT SATISFACTORY

FARMERS WANT FREE TRADE

A motion on Empire preference put forward towards the close of the afternoon session of the farmers' convention at To Aroha on Thursday, though favourably supported by most of those present, found some opposition, and was withdrawn after a lengthy discussion, owing to, tho fact that many farmers had left the meeting on the approach of milking time, reports the "Morrinsvillo Star." Tho^motion, which was moved by Captains Rush worth, M.P., and Colbeck, was: This convention considers that a policy of Empire preferences as- ad- • vocated by Messrs. Forbes, Scullin, and Bennett and Lord Beaverbrook would be extremely detrimental to the interests of the exporting primary producers of tho Dominion. Captain Eushworth stated that as he understood the question it was an attempt to convert the people of Britain to a tax on foodstuffs, if they did agree, the first thing that would happen ,would be a tax on New Zealand produce. New Zealand taxed British manufactures, and yet Denmark allowed thexri in free, so the logical conclusion was for Danish butter to be admitted free and New Zealand butter taxed. There was no question of politics involved in the motion, but only economics. If up to 60 per cent, was put on Danish and other foreign butter it would be all right to a point for New Zealand, but it would result in Home butter being more extensively made and competing with New Zealand butter. WOULD LOSE MORE SALES. Captain Colbeck seconded the motion. Empire preference would mean a tax of 10 per cent, on all foreign foodstuffs-, entering Britain. The British manufacturer would then have to raise his costs 10 per cent., and as Britain was labouring under high costs now in foreign markets she would lose her sales still further. People often quoted America, but America had 120,000,000 people to trade with, but there were only about 80,000,000 white people in the whole British Empire. Tho speaker was an advocate of free trade within tho Empire, to follow America's success. Empire preference was unadulterated selfishness on New Zealand's part. Mr. A. A. Boss stated that it had been insinuated that New Zealand farmers wanted Empire preference, but it was not so, and he *had never heard of it being asked for. What they wanted was reduced costa. So far as Empire preference was concerned it was nothing more than increased protection for New Zealand manufacturers. New Zealand traded within the Empire* but Britain traded without the EmpiVe, and preference simply meant asking Britain to follow New Zealand's footsreps and get into the same muddle. Mr. C. E. Macmillan, M.P., thought the underlying principle of preference was Empire free trade. Britain could be left to solve her own problems. Britain was tho dumping ground for all manufactures, and in time she would not provide us with a market. It seemed that all present were agreed on> Empire free trade. Mr; A. E. Robinson said they had to look at the question from an Englishman's point of view, when it would be found to be unreasonable. > BRITAIN AND HER FAMIL*. Mr. J. E. Leeson thought the motion was' hardly fair. He read the "Daily Mail" every week, and Lord Beaverbrook advocated Empire free trade. (Crieg of "No.") He did not think it would prejudice the position if a little preference wero granted to New Zealand over foreigners. One. penny or a halfpenny per pound would do. It would show that Britain had a regard for her family. Britain .was spending £ 500,000 per year on research • and advertising; out of which New Zealand got about £100,000. They should back that up by preference. Mr. Maemillan suggested that the motion be amended by adding the preface, "That while approving the policy of Empire free trade the convention disapproves of Empire preference." This was agreed to. Another speaker urged that the matter be postponed till the evening,' as many had left for milking. Tho chairman said there would not be time at night as the whole question would have to be reopened. After further discussion it was agreed to hold tho motion over.