DECISIONS AT OTTAWA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 226, 24 August 1932, Page 5

DECISIONS AT OTTAWA

COMMENTS BY LEADER OF OPPOSITION. Per Press Association. WESTPORT, Aug. 23. Commenting on the result of the Ottawa Conference, Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, said that it did not appear that anything had been achieved at Ottawa that would substantially improve the economic position of tho Dominion. It was fairly clear that the New Zealand delegation liad not obtained anything like the concessions that its members sought. What had been arranged in regard to dairy produce was admittedly a temporary expedient, and the agreement regarding meat specifically provided against larger exports from New Zealand in 1933 than in J 932. Besides, tho huge amount of British capital invested in South America would remain tho determining factor in the matter of meat exports to Britain from that country. However, it might he that fuller information would place the results in a better light than appeared to be the case from the readiug of the Press messages to date. On the other hand, there was a grave danger that the established secondary industries of the Dominion might bo seriously jeopardised, said Mr Holland. No definite information was availablo, hilt it was clear some sort of bargain had been struck with a view to making it possible for British products to compete successfully with New Zealand manufacturers in the New Zealand market. Such an agreement would be a tragic error. The goods that cannot be produced hero should be admitted duty free, hut to bring in goods that are produced locally in abundance would be uneconomic and detrimental to every useful interest in the country. The secondary industries of New Zealand must he safeguarded and developed as well as the primary industries. otherwise the unemployment problem would bo gravely accentuated and tho whole community would suffer. The day. had gone when the people of New Zealand could be regarded solely as wool and moat growers and butter and cheese makers for the overseas market, notwithstanding the immense importance of those industries. Ottawa liad resolved itself into a bargaining counter, mainly on a tar-iff-tinkering basis, hut what was wanted were reciprocal and definite trade agreements between countries of the British Commonwealth. Of course, it was inevitable that trading relationship would be extended beyond the British Commonwealth boundaries.

There is a long-forgotten Act by which any person who fits properly flanged wheels to his motor-car can drive it on any British railway, if the vehicle is of approved design. Men should not lose the golden opportunity of receiving two overcoats for the price of one, and that at a reduced price. During this week Collinson and Cunninghame, Ltd., have set aside twenty-five tweed overcoats and with each one purchased they will give a light weight macintosh overcoat, freo of charge. The tweed coats are in greys, browns and fawns, well made and finished and in single or double breasted style. A good opportunity. —Collinson and CunnLnghame, Ltd.—Advt.