Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, JUNE 15th., 1925. EMPIRE PREFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 June 1925, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, JUNE 15th., 1925. EMPIRE PREFERENCE

Last week’s debate in the House of Commons, on the proposals to grant Empire products a limited preference by placing duties on certain foreign articles, was interesting as well as important. The step made was only small, but was one that will be followed by others, until the progress in the desired direction is considerable. A feature of the proceedings in the Commons was the unexpected support from Labour Members for the new duties. In the overseas lands the Labour groups are very strong for Protection, but in the Homeland, Labour men have been prominent among the Freetraders, and the “Morning Post,” ever a zealous supporter of Protection, is justified in describing the Labour vote as a notable triumph for preference. The triumph is none the . less marked because the Clydesiders representing one school of thought in the Labour ranks were in unity (for once) with such moderates as Messrs J. JL Thomas and V. Hartshorn. True, Mr. MacDonald and other Labourites opposed the duties, but the thin edge of the wedge has been inserted, and Homeland Labour’s future attitude is likely to be considerably changed. But for the fear that Dominion farmers will seek to take advantage of the preference shown, by increasing the ]trice of their foodstuffs,. or in refusing to sell these at the lowest possible rates, Labourites would probably have less objection to Imperial preference. It cannot be claimed that their fears have no cause. The various control boards, and particularly recent tactics by those in charge, of butter supplies, have revived old-time suspicions among Homeland workers and . their wives, and it will take considerable effort before they will become enthusiastic about Empire preference. The best method of converting them will be to reduce the prices asked for the several commodities. Meanwhile, it is a matter for congratulation that Labourites,, moderates and communists, have displayed a desire to take wider views of Empire.

DOMINIONS MINISTER

-Apart from -politicians and publicists, it is doubtful if dwellers in the overseas parts of the Empire

jvorr.y much dbdut ‘‘Dominion status,” the general belief in the goodwill between Motherland aild Dominions being regarded as' sufficient to meet likely contingencies. Nevertheless, necessary administration has been hampered by adherence to arrangements long obsolete through the wonderful growth and prosperity of the Dominions,‘thus, unanimous approval, should be extended to Mr. Baldwin’s decision to reform the’ Colonial Office, and to create a new Secretary of State for. the Dominions, leaving Crown colonies and protectorates to be tended by another Minister. In time, this new portfolio'' must rank as inferior only to that of the Premiership, and Chancellorship of the . chequer, its' standing exOeeding that of the portfolio of FOrffign Affairs, which is now considered the “plum.” Empire affairs will be recognised as more important than Foreign questions, as unless Empire unity is kept at a high level, outside nations will not be So considerate of British attitudes. Moreover, each Dominion is ob-

viously destined to become stronger and wealthier than most of the present European nations, and the new Dominions Ministership is a ; step to even greater acknbxVledg-, inent of overseas prestige. Meanwhile, Mr. Amery’s new appointment to conduct better old duties will be welcomed by all concerned, and there should be less risk la future of umbrage being given or taken through Homeland adherence to out of date methods or oldtime traditions.