EMPIRE MATTERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 November 1923, Page 5

EMPIRE MATTERS

——————— — WIRELESS CONTROVERSY. DOMINIONS URGE SETTLEMENT. (A astralian and N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, November 6. I The Economic Conference got • through a good deal of work to-day in • regard to committee reports, and the agenda items are rapidly tapering off. . The Empire Press Union proposed to establish wireless communication with Australia before the conference dispersed. Air Bruce, interviewed on the subject, said it was his express intention , to force matters to a definite conclusion one way or the other. He apparently has little hope that the differences between the British Post Office and Marconi’s can be bridged over. Nevertheless, he is insistent that imperative needs in regard to Empire wireless communication should not be sacrificed to any quarrel of the existing nature. Air Alassey also intends to bring the subject up before the conference closes. The “Daily Telegraph,” in a strong editorial, entitled “The Wireless Chain Muddle,” declares:—“lf the Imperial Conference disperses without unequivocal assurances, it will commit a grave act of omission. . The Dominion Premiers are obviously entitled to express their views on the impasse between the Post Office and the Alarconi Company, since it is hindering all their efforts to link the Empire. If they were to speak frank-

ly, they would tell us that they had no faith in the Post Office administration. It is not conducted on commercial lines, and the recommendations of the Council’s Committee have been ignored. The Imperial Conference ought to inquire searchingly into the cause of the present impasse. Air Bruce will send a formal invitation to the Empire Press Union to hold a conference in Australia in 1925. TARIFFS QUESTION. Air Bruce s moving for the Economic Commitee at the conference. He emphasised the fact that it would be no part of such committee’s duties to interfere with the Dominoin tariffs, which Canada seemed to apprehend might be the case. Air Bruce pointed out that there were many questions on which the Dominions might desire to secure an impartial view. For instance, he said, the question of dumping goods which were passed through England from foreign countries, with a view to securing preference overseas might arise. The committee might prove useful in determining the country of origin of such goods. There was also the matter of the depreciated exchanges, on which such a committee’s advice could be sought. PACIFIC CABLE BOARD. It is understood that the Treasury has appointed Air Mercer Jo the vacant Chairmanship of the Pacific Cable Board. It is believed, however, the Dominion representatives have protested against the appointment, urging that the members of the Board should be consulted. Certain members also hold that in consequence of the projected development and the growing importance of cable business, a man with specialised training rather than an official, should be appointed. Meanwhile, Air Mercer’s appointment is not confirmed. TAXATION OF SHIPPING. LONDON, November 7. A report has been drawn up by the Imperial Shipping Committee on methods of, assessment of shipping to income tax within the Empire. The Committee suggests a series of alternative remedies but recommends none, because the matter is outside

the committee’s sphere of enquiry so far as the necessity for raising revenue is concerned. The committee nevertheless feels that inter-Empire anomalies and complexities exist, and and there is sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie ground of complaint, and it suggests the report be first brought to the attention of the -fiscal authorities concerned. PREFERENCE FOR FRUIT. (Special to Press Assn.) LONDON, November 7. In the interests of New Zealand fruitgrowers, Mr Massey has been successful in obtaining preference against foreign competitors of five shillings per hundred weight on fresh apples imported to Britain from Empire countries; also preference of ten shillings a. hundredweight on honey. These concessions were announced by the President of the Board of Trade at the Conference this morning. They will, of course, be subject to ratification by the British Parliament. It is announced also that ten shillings per hundredweight /preference will be granted on canned salmon. LONDON, November 7. The Economic Conference re-dis-cu-ssed the Imperial preference report of the sub-committee appointed to deal with the question. All the Dominion representatives expressed gratitude to the British Government for the offer to increase preference. It is understood that the British Government to-day announced further preferences, which are expected <msiderably to benefit the Domin’cns. They will take the form of new duties against foreigners, while the Dominions’ products will be free. It is believed that the new duties proposed include five shillings a hundredweight on apples, 10/6 a hundredweight on honey, sixpence a gallon on fruit juices largely used in England for the manufacture of jams. It is understood also that preference to Dominion heavy wines will be increased from one-third to two-thirds. It is believed the Government is further considering an increase of preference on sparkling wines. TRAVEL AS EDUCATION. (Reuter.) LONDON, November 7. The Prince of Wales was present at a dinner given by the Overseas League to the Dominion Premiers. He proposed toast of ‘The Dominions and India,’ and declared that Gen. Smuts was certainly not over-stating the case when, in an eloquent speech, he said that in the British Commonwealth we possessed the greatest institution ever devised by man. The nature and constitution of the Empire could not too

often be emphasised. The Empire consisted of independent sister states, but by the genius of many statesmen and the sound instincts of the people, the two oppositeSj co-operation and independence, dovetailed together. The Prince of AVales proceeded to urge the desirability of encouraging the spirit of travel in statesmen and journalists, all of whom were distributors of ideas and information to the people of Britain. It was a welcome sign of the times the increasing number of students and teachers from overseas visiting and residing in Britain. He recalled the many happys days and his wonderful experiences of the past four years in various parts of the Empire, which were always a help. He was looking to find future journeys of equal interest. | Air. Bruce pointed out that the Dominion Prime Ministers came to London to discuss Empire problems. He asked how many statesmen in Britain visited the Dominions to learn their problems first hand. The Maharajah Alwar declared that affection and love for the Crown was the greatest cementing factor in the Empire, of which India was proud to be a part. He believed that the Prince’s visit to India during the transition stage, brought home the idea of Empire.