The Northern Advocate Daily SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1936. THE EMPIRE’S PROBLEMS

Northern Advocate, 11 July 1936, Page 6

The Northern Advocate Daily

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1936. THE EMPIRE’S PROBLEMS

ftegiotered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper.

The problems which confront the British Empire have changed in order of importance during the past quarter of a century.

| The relationship of the units of 1 the Empire remains the same | fundamentally, all being bound i by silken ties to one common I centre, but great constitutional j changes have taken place. Apart j from that question, far-reaching ! developments have altered hither- ! to accepted ideas of the Empire. I The Great War threw the nations into the melting-pot, Britain with | them. From that crucible some j emerged unrecognisable masses. ‘ Others—the British Empire the

outstanding example—were purified by fire. Prior to the War, there had existed a belief that the British people were decadent, that the units would fall apart as soon as a testing-time came. The opposite proved to be the case, the Empire being not only purified but strengthened. That fact, however, has not disposed of the Empire’s problems. Far from it. The intervening years following the War have brought new problems. The War demonstrated that the people of the British Isles had become dependent upon overseas countries for their food supplies—that they had neglected agriculture to such an extent that home-grown meat, grain and dairy produce could not feed the population for more than a very few weeks. Food had to be carried through long sea lanes from distant dominions and foreign countries. German submarines played havoc with food-laden shipping, and, until the convoy system was evolved, there existed very real danger that Britain might be starved into submission. This has not been forgotten by the leaders of Britain. As a consequence,; the Government has determined that Britain shall not again be. caught napping so far as food supplies are concerned. To that end, agriculture is being encouraged by bounties and other means. It is this fact that makes the British policy of such vital importance to the people of New Zealand, which has hitherto depended almost solely upon Britain to consume the Dominion’s primary products in the shape of wool, meat, butter and cheese., Woolgrowers are not in the same; category as dairyfarmers, because Britain can never supply her manufacturing requirements in the shape of wool. Farmers who export meat and dairy produce, however, are very definitely affected by Britain’s agricultural policy, for it is obvious that if Britain can produce all the meat, butter and cheese required by her population, she will not need supplies from overseas. It is not suggested that she will be able to supply all her needs. Production overseas will always be required, and in large quantities. But it would be emulation of the ostrich to shut onr eyes to The possibility that Britain will limit the quantity of primary produce that may enter her ports. If there should be limitation of New’ Zealand exports, it is not difficult to visualise a halting of farming effort, with consequent retrogressive effect upon the development of the Dominion. That, in turn, visualises a growth of secondary industries, with restriction of imports of British manufactures. Therein are wrapped up questions of Empire defence and economies which it is not pleasant to contemplate from a New Zealand point of view.