IMPERIAL AFFAIRS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 24 January 1927, Page 5

IMPERIAL AFFAIRS

WHERE NEW ZEALAND STANDS. TRADE WITH CANADA. SPEECH BY MR. COATES. air CABLE—PRESS association -copyright Received 10.55 a.m. to-day. VANCOUVER, Jan. 23. “It seems to me that the atmosphere has been cleared,’ > said the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Prime Minister of New Zealand, when referring to the Imperial Conference in a speech at the Canadian Club to-night. “The conference has resulted in an increase among the Dominions cf the spirit that keeps us together, and we have everything we require. The rest prob'em is to develop and prosper and make out people prosperous. We have self-government in each part of the Empire, and are independent of others, but in the event of a great crisis there is no doubt where our Empire stands. There are some who thought w.e were dominated by Downing Street, but that is incorrect. New Zealand values selfgovernment more than anything else, but in the event of a crisis when cur Motherland may be threatened our people will do their part. Pointing out that Canada had boem getting five times as much business from New Zealand as the latter was getting from Canada, he asked, “Is there anything we can do to balance that trade? Don’t think for a moment I think that Canada is to blame. Perhaps our business men are at faidt. If we can map out a way by which_ better business relations will be established we will try to do .so. On our present trip we have met with most sympathetic consideration at Ottawa, and your Government has already shown practical assistance. We are returning to New Zealand with a desire to make a definite move, in this direction, and everyone can help. We know that in Canada the Canadians want to buy Canadian produce That is a natural and healthy desire, but if you have to go outside, then remember us.” He concluded: “If we are loyal to ourselves, we will be ’oyal to our Empire, which means equal opportunity, security and safety for all who live within it.” _ Addressing the Women <g Canadian Club in the afternoon he said, “Women will play a great part in the cementing of the bonds of Empire. They will also do much to promote prosperity.’ Interviewed with regard to naval matters, he said : “We in New Zealand are. contributing towards 1 naval defence as a. security for our trade -pontes, and from a natural desire to assist in helping the Empire, in case of need.”