OTTAWA CONFERENCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 143, 19 May 1932, Page 7

OTTAWA CONFERENCE

EXPECTATIONS OF PRODUCERS. [WARNING FROM CABINET - CIRCLES. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 18. Concerning the Ottawa Conference a serious warning was issued from Cabinet circles to-day that New Zealand primary producers should not expect too much and that no matter how successful the conference is it cannot bo regarded as a medium for ushering in suddenly a period of high prices and general prosperity. For the past few weeks members of the Cabinet and the Ottawa Conference Committee have been hearing representations from various primary producing interests which have advanced their views and stated what they consider most necessary in any move to better their position on the world market, and especially in London. Much will remain to bo done after Ottawa and those who look to the overseas market for the placing of their produce cannot afford to anticipate that by the mere fixation of reciprocal tariffs their exporting problem will be solved.

With the conclusion of the emergency session the Ottawa Conference has assumed a major place in the minds of members. Much of the Government’s preparatory work for the conference is being delayed through the late arrival of the aegnda' paper, the compilation of which is in the hands of the Canadian Government. The work of preparing data for the consideration of tariffs generally is well forward, but there are other aspects of Empire trading and monetary relations that cannot be thoroughly dealt with until the form of the agenda to be placed before delegates has been made known.

Added to this, it is not likely that the Prime Minister will announce the personnel of New Zealand’s delegation until he knows what will be in the agenda paper. The general belief is that Mr Forbes and the Minister of Finance will be the Dominion’s representatives, but so far no official information on the point has been given. Mr Forbes said to-day, however, that once he knows what will be discussed nt Ottawa he will lose no time in announcing his intentions.

FARMERS’ INTERESTS. DOMINION EXECUTIVE DISCUSSION. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 18. The Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to-night dealt with business to be transacted by tho New Zealand delegation at the Imperial Conference at Ottawa. The following report by the special committee was adopted: “We recognise that the Ottawa'Conference is planned to strengthen the bonds of Empire by arranging for a freer exchange of our several exports. It is essential for the welfare of every section of the people of this Dominion that the conference assist in some way our export industries. We feel there are reasonable prospects that the British delegation will be prepared to assist these by putting a quota limit 1 upon foreign competitors in .conjunction with Empire preference. This will assist the economic recovery of the British farmers as well as British Dominion exporters and is in accord with the proposal made to farmers when visiting here in 1930.” ' There was a diversity of opinion regarding what recommendation the New Zealand delegation should offer in tariffs upon British manufactures and eventually the following motion was carried by 11 votes to 10: “If it is necessary to provide compensating advantages to Great Britain which she may require in return, the New Zealand delegation should be given n free hand to negotiate either in tariff reductions or such other plan as may be considered desirable in the interests of the development of the Empire. IMPERIAL BANK OF CURRENCY. The following additional remit was approved: “That it is essential that most serious consideration should be given at Ottawa to the proposal to establish an Imperial Bank of Curdecided that a deputation wait upon the Prime Minister tomorrow to stress the importance of Rt Hon. J. G. Coates being included in the New Zealand delegation in the interests of the primary producers.

MEAT QUOTA PROPOSAL. WELLINGTON, May 19. “We are asking for Imperial preference, but we are asking for that preference in conjunction w 1 a quota upon foreign meat, saul Mr W. J. Poison. M.P.. president of the New Zealand Farmers f Union, in addressing tho Dominion executive yesterday upon the subject of the Ottawa Conference. ■ Mr Poison said he had called a meeting of the advisory committee in the last few weeks, and in conjunction with the Meat and Dairy Boards and other fanning organisations in New Zealand a unanimous conclusion' had been come to. They had been in conjunction not only with New Sealand organisations, but also with those in other parts of the Empire— National Farmers’ Union Of Great Britain, the Australian Graziers’ Federated Council and farming organisations of Canada—all of whom had agreed to the proposals, together with powerful Smithfield support for them. Mr Poison said he had seen the propaganda put out ostensibly by the Sheepowners’ Federation, and could pot understand their attitude in saying that it was dangerous to discuss quotas and that' it would have a bad effect. He thought they did not understand that farmers were asking for quotas on foreign produce, not Imperial produce. It was clear on the evidence that preference without quotas would not have a lasting effect. There was the evidence of Sir Francis Boys, the best authority in the British Empire on the meat industry. Britain had become the dumping ground of the world for meat. Only one-tenth of tho meat consumed in Britain came from the Dominions, and four-tenths from foreign countries. If the foreign quota could be reduced by one-tenth it would bring about a slight increase in the price of meat in Britain in proportion. The effect bn the British housewife-p-of whom there were about 12 millions using about 7s 6d worth of meat a week each —would not mean more than sixcpence a week, and that would probably be met by using a little less. The result would be that New Zealand would receive a little more for meat and other produce, and it would stimulate exports from Great Britain. “This conference is going to be more important than anything Britain *as discussed for 100 years m the development of the Empire,” continued Mr Poison. “So far as wo aro concerned, we shall be benefited to an extent we little appreciate if we can only build up the Empire as a whole. Even if we have to make further sacrifices,

I would say, ‘Go on with the Ottawa Conference in the widest spirit of toleration.’ ”

FRUIT INDUSTRY. Per Press Association. ■ WELLINGTON, May 18. Representatives of the fruit-growing interests held a conference with tho Prime Minister at Parliament House to-day and questions affecting the industry. were discussed at length in the light of probable events at the Ottawa Conference. It was announced later that Mr H. E. papier, manager of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation, would go to Ottawa with the Dominion’s delegation. NO ARGENTINIAN OBSERVER. BUENOS AIRES, May 17. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senor Lamas, stated to-day that reports circulated abroad to the effect that Argentine would send an observer to the Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa in July were without foundation. “Argentina has never thought to interfere in private deliberations within the British Empire,” ho added. IRISH FREE STATE’S PLANS. LONDON, May 18. The Central News correspondent at Dublin states that the present intention of the Free State Government is to send three Ministers to Ottawa, with a secretariat of sixteen. Mr de Valera’s going will depend on the state of home affairs.

MR DE VALERA’S PLANS. (British Official Wireless.) Received May 19, 11 n.m. RUGBY, May 18. It is reported from Dublin that Mr de Valera will, if the Government business permits, attend the Empire Economic Conference at Ottawa. It is stated that the Free State delegation .will comprise three members of the Ministry.