A QUIET OPENING

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11327, 3 October 1930, Page 6

A QUIET OPENING

of arbitration as a proper moans ot settling disputes by the signing ot the optional clause. Further, in pursuit ot the limitation of armament* as ft method of preventing tvar we have this year .joined in .signing the London Naval Treaty, hut there is still rnneh to be done in both fields in broadening the scope of arbitration arrangements .and hv securing a fuller and more general limitation of armaments.

Lpl. u i bo, quite frank ori this matter. The strength of armaments in the world to-day, and tlie. general unwillingness of governments to advance the cause of secured pence ny p. reduction of military material, unless chocked, must soon lead to conditions to v. hieli the most 'pacific of nations cannot he indifferent. The outlook is disquieting, but should that Calamity happen it will not be the fault of our Commonwealth, which both by precept ami example has shown the sincerity of its devotion to peace. I am sure that in Hie discussions we shall be able to find a common ground for acting in harmony in pursuit of these aims.”

UXE.UPLOYAI ISN'T CONSEQUENT ON WOULD DKI’BK.SSION.

AUSTRALIA WANTS TO SKIS iWOiUS AIABkELS.

Mr. Scullin said: Our success will be judged by the progress we achieve towards Empire economic co-opera-tion. The instinct of our people is wholly right. The .hotter ordering of our production, both in agriculture and industry, and our trade, have become matters of v.ta-l urgency. In Australia, as in Britain, unemployment is consequent, at least in part, on, the world-wide depression, and lias become a matter of the gravest concern: Lack of markets is prejudicing the welfare of millions of our people. The Empire could supply all its agricultural products, and all but a few of its mineral products. We can guarantee one another markets for most commodities capable of absorbing- -a far greater volume of production. The value of Britain's agricultural imposts exceeds ,g7oo',ouu.(X)0, whereof .'l7 per cent, is of Empire origin. If the governments on: the Bmp re decide upon a deli nice ioriva.rd policy of economic co-opera-tion the Commonwealth will do its part. MR. FORBES’ All DRESS. NEW ZEALAND'S CHIEF ' ' INTEREST. COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND COMMON I’v/LKA. Air. Forbes, in acknowledging Mr. MacDonald’s welcome, regretted th.it Sir Joseph Ward had not Jived to attend the conference, which was deprived ol his wisdom and lengthy experience. . “Wo -ment here,” continued Mr. Forties, “iii ctrciimstuncos in one sensei encouraging, and in anotnei depressing, ’I he international situation is now greatly improved, •-*ltd there is, increasing strength in the movement towards peace and disarmaintlnt. Tins may well give can./- toi gratification. On the other hand vvi are facing a period ox serious economic depression. I earnestly trust that ■ the deliberations of the conference will result in measures which will assist in* alleviating the position A great deal is expected from Die conference with reference to economic subjects-,and a failure on ntu- part lo agree upon a concrete and elieot, ivc policy ior the common benchU wi‘: cause' great disappointment- througuiui't the Empire.

“New Zealand. is 310 f. corcuriwt: grcat-iy in tin* recent ilovolopmont. of'. constitutional .relations between members of the Empire.' Wo huvv felt always tlurl. witli.n recent years we have had ample scope for iiutioaal aspirations, aml ample freedom u. carry, tlipin out entirely. We value the close conntet'.on with the UniUm Kingdom and our sister Dominions. N\t> Mouid, have been well content'to allow, the constitutional relaMonsnip to settle themselves. in acoordamc with the necessity of position am u-quirements of time, Init wo'rec.og uise that' tbo considerations applicable to ono Coumuon ate not iiciesaari'ly applicable to all. “it- may be Loped (hat all questions regarding status will he settled fuially at this conference. In a com* monwcaifch .of. six equal, partners, dufiiring markedly in history, internal organisation, industrial developmont, economics, orientation and centrifugal influences, there must. he. a tendency towards the .weakening of our association'.’ *• . ,

In the absence- of some effective means of evolving it common policy of action, ho and ids colleagues were of. the opinion that this outstanding problem' was, at the moment, the achievement of a common understanding nnd common policy. To this then c<forts would be manly directed, bop lug that the governments represent c*l. would find it possible to diver' attention from status to co-operation GENERAL HEKTZOG’S K'tl'LY. SOUTH AFRICA'S CONCERN At TAUll’f .- General Hertzog said: “I. am fully conscious of the very important functions' of the conference, which win finally adjust, outstanding constitutional questions arising from the Ll/iddecision, which must be formally sanctioned and considered in detail. Referring lo the economic policy, General Hertzog added that Soun . Africa viewed with - concern Britain's prospective abolition of existing tariff - benefits. Britain's position as a great commonwealth market lor the Dominions’ products must necessarily, iii the event of her deciding it* change the existing policy to one- dot riment-al to the Dominions’ interests, exorcise a determining influence upon their policy. If was, there:ore, clear that the Dominions' eventual course must mainly depend upon the manner and extent- to which their interests - would be affected by Britain's policy.“I. hope that in no ease will the conference despair of arriving at a solution which will prevent the evil effects of. a change of policy assuming the clino-nctor of a disaster to llioso who, believing m the stabilit-v of inter-commonwealth economic relations, have been induced in good faith- to make investments on the basis of that belief.*' -MR. FORBES’ IMPItRHSIO.NtL IMPORTANCE OF ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. fU.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON. Oct. i. “What I welcomed most at the opening session of my first Imperial Conference was the emphasis which practically all the speakers gave to economic nr-oMems,” declared Mr. Forbes. “Though the actual proveedings were formal, all the Prune Ministers simply reading speeches, the surroundings of lbe historic room lent a dignity and impressiveness to (ho ‘occasion. One could not but be mpressed with the fact that the delegates. though nearly* all strangers to ono another and to the Imperial Conference. represent a large proportion of the world’s population.'’ Mr. Forbes added: “Wo have metwith’ high hones and determination that in this time of world-wide economic depression we will reach definite

land pmcf-cel achievements lor the benefit of ihe whole population of the Empire. 'We shall be most, disappointed if wn do not legiste,-- leal economic progress.*' GENEROUS HOSPITALITY. WOMENFOLK OVERBU R BEN ED WITH SOCIAL EN»:A(:e.Mi',.nTS. DELEGATES' WIVES DIVIDED ON DUTIES. (U.P.A. by Dice. Td. Copyright) (Received Oct. 'L 0.-b p\m.) LONDON. Oct. Air. Scullin has iieen overwhelmed with invitations, including the acceptances of the freedom of several cities, notably Glasgow. A week-end visit to Chequers is also being arranged. but probably jus first country experience will be the corning week-end visit to Liphook, Hninp--•liire. the delightful home of lord Passfield, who a.s Air. Sidney Webb, labored long for the social ideals dear to Mr. Seiillin’s lie-art. The. womenfolk of the members ot the conference, like the delegates themselves, are almost overburdened with social engagements. Airs. Seul);n lias had to refuse all invitations for more than a week ahead. Lady Squires ,tbe only member of Parliament from Newfoundland, is of opinion that, delegates’ wives should do more than entertain and be entertained. They might helpfully meed. ->nd compare notes of the conditions in other Dominions. “Women must take a more important part- in goverm’ng,” she said.

Airs. Forbes, on the other hand, thinks a. woman’s proper place is at homo, and looking after her family; .A ..snocijUly written praver for the conference’s deliberations is being said at Westminster Ahbe3’.

BRILLIANT SCENE Pt GUILDHALL DINNER. CON F ERE N ('E DEI AG I AT ES ENTERTAINED. AN UNUSUAL INCIDENT. P'T E tvKNOWN YOUTH SPEAKS ox; BEHALF OF irUAIANITY. (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) .. There was a bn;.unit gathering at llie dinner at the Gunminii i.y tin* /loyal Empire .tocie-iy, tin* L.-.tiMi Bnipire League, Uic Overseas j.eagui* ..j’.msli Empire- Club and Victoria, i.eague to members of the, Imperial Übiiieienw; and their tvomcnniiK. .Princo Arthur of Connaught- presided, with Airs. Scull n on Ins hut. and Miss Bennett on has right. Mr. G. \Y. Forbes and Mrs. Horbes, »*r riiomas Sidev', and .Mr. and alt's. Parker Moloney fAust.). were all at the top table, a largo number ol Australians were present. Late in the evening an unusual seem? was created by a pale j'outh .vatking up and taking h.s place behind Air. J. H, 'l'homas and shouting, “I’m 21. I passed through Charterhouse a,ml Cainbr.dge . Solomon prn.vt.il for wisdom, and I do tlie .same. I am speaking. on behalf ol humaiiitv anil want your help/' - Cries of “Order” and “Sit Down • resulted in the attendants leading nit tlm youth, who, as he le;t tun building, stated that he did not represent a-nv movement and did not need personal help. “I’m thinking ol inv country and want youth lo have u chance,” he said. p r ; n cc Arthur of Connaught asked he prime. Ministers to carry home t« the people of all parties, classes, and creeds, an expression ot abiding ,„d unalterable aifection, goodwill, ni.i sympathy. ... ~ , , Mr Dennett described the LmldIn.’l ms centalmug monuments and •nemofials of those who made Hm Empire possible. In the uivprsitv or peoples, talents and resources lay ho real strength of the iHnp.rc diversity we are trying to .w-to a uto harmony, he sa.ul. 1 »*• . 4 lu? task of Emp-ro eonsoliclar inn We must think of the Empire Tin economic unit. If tve but keep uith with one another h n°r^h;^aß n n«r“tdfS,t ,v.]it ill sta 11 * ~t in niamsaVniutT the Empire’s great place ,ng the peoples of the wot id.

FEDERAL PUB.MIBK-S AIM KAL. “PLEASE LET ES WORE. MESSAGE FdVJ-'l CHILDREN TO MOl Hl'.t'-LANX . ,rn p \ I,r Bloc. Tel. Copyright) (Received 0^2.-™ Mr, Scullin. who eil applause, said 011tertain-gat-bering. ,"V t™ When we r*d in Loudon- -too tnie. think of dinners J" e V e thmk had. with mo o to when- ho A.rtt*mus \Votjl \y « £ healths -.aid lie had own. that be "as afi* j please lot us work. • hero .- l ~ p.nt-isli der how the «"j ° ' k( , pt together. Commonwealth '-•t. 1 t[ufrc wns Onlookers ’’IT ,- when wo are something dn div„ • ,„ t the so husv de ‘ ,n ™.* tlie wotor Die jr „to r «» ionrt, v nro stronpi-i- °j.Jbr-i u-- s,lS,*r&£W "" - »■ i»? ™;; r „ ;S, It «» »>• Ir>r and nioio - _ : oonnot out P-t’ for Ske"s° weNiavoTailed to represent rhe people.” AIR. FORRES’ MISSION. PROF IT ARTE MARKET WITHIN 1 EMI*I RE. ATr Forties said his nvssion "as ej^the 1 e-nsohdat : nn of the Lmmro in thrt time of difficulty■ m M Tl'O^ntrin 'problem wns°finding ""’M’' ily spia-it of gi’ie and tnl “- overcome them. IMRERIAL CO-Oi’ER ATI ON SOUTH AFR IOA’S OH ANGEI > POLICY SINCE R-“' General Hertzog said: “l have no fault to find with Hie motive indm:no - won to entertain u*. Ino <lc . "%r advancing good fellawsmp - ■ > understanding between part, o Hu TMm 1 tmn and' nothing IIH he ffilt of )ho British ( ommom wealth but an empty na.m- Wb“ good fellowship exists turns» < need to seek co-operation witn me divining rod. Refore 1926 no good South African Nationalist could h-no supported Imperial cn-opfration, i“<la" I and other Nationalists stand forth as advocates of Imperial c.> operation.” (Cheers). Air. ,T. H. Thomas summed up the conference’s task as giving praetica effect to the eloquent phrases oi the evening.—“ Phrases and perorations do not’ solve problems,” lie said.

ECONOMIC ISSUE DELAYED. CANADIAN i READER’S REQUEST. (U.P.A. b.v Klee. Tel. Copyright) fiC-ceived Uct. b.b p.in.) I.ON DON, M? t. 1. .It \ias intended to delve to-day straight into the economic issue, mu Air. Bennett pointed out that lie iiau only rccent.ly assumed o rives-, ana only iimmi yostenlay, so was net prepared u> take up an” intimate discussion immediately. The nature of to-morrow's vvoilc indicates the deierenee paid to air. Bennett’s viewpoint. Loth Alessis. Scullin and Forties were ready to begin discussion immediately, if required. ft is the first occasion on" which a British Labor Government lias been in power during an Imperial f onierence, and the personnel oj the gathering has changed almost completely from that of the Imperial Coiilei'ence held tour years ago. As for instance, Air. R. B. Bennett, leader of me Canadian Conservatives, has displaced Mr. Alnc.Kenz.e King, tli.i Liberal Prime Alinister, who was present, on the last occasion. Air. •). H. Scullin leader of the Australian Labor Party, lias .succeeded Mr. Stanley Bruce, and Air. G. W. Forbes, tin’ New Zealand leader of the United, or Liberal Party, takes the place oi Air. J. G. Coates.

LABOR PAPER ON rREiKKENc*. SCPPORT TOR DLLJvITiiCHASI'-. (Received Oct. 2. 10. 15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 2. The Daily I-le-raltl, in an editorialin the Imperial ( oiiferenee, says: “The Premiers of Australia ana South Africa spoke frankly on tlie issue of Imperial prelerence. Tie must be equally frank. Such preferential tairiffs ns Air. Scullin and General Hertzog suggest- would mean the establishment of a Protect' on is t system in this country, including Taxation of food and raw materials. T»> such a change the jjeople of this country are opposed. Dominion statesmen will blunder seriously if they take the trumpetings of Lords Kotli©rmere and Beaverhrook lor the autlient'c voice of Great Britain. British Labor regards the attempt to regulate trade," by taxing it. as antiquated and urges Air. Scullin and General Hertzog to consider whether it- is not in the direction of bulk purchase by public authority that co-opera turn is achievable.” Other papers suspend comment.