IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 5 December 1927, Page 4

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

REPORT BY PRIME MINISTER PRESENTED TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - (% Telegraph) (From "The Mail's" Parliamentary Reporter). WELLINGTON, 3rd Dec. In his report ujdou the discussions and decisions of the' Imperial Conference, the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates) conveyed to the House of Representatives this morning the impression that New Zealand was a very satisfied dominion so far as her relations with the Mother Country and her status as a British dominion-are concerned. The Prime Minister considered that the outstanding feature of the Conference was not the practical results achieved so much as the spontaneous and unanimous evidence of goodwill and the determination to retain Empire ties. No suggestions or demands were made on behalf of this Dominion as he felt that the opinion of the country was that the present associations should remain. Matters affecting New Zealand directly Were various and included the status of the Governoi'-Qeneral, which this Government had no desire to alter at present. Further communication between dominions was also recognised as advantageous to eliminate risk of serious disagreement. Foreign affairs claimed a great deal of his attention while the advanced methods of international transport were not overlooked. The prospect for the successful completion of a great Imperial air -service appeared promising and the Dominion was sharing in the preliminary steps'which were, being taken throughout the Empire to facilitate the'passage of airships. It was hoped to arrange a trial flight to the furthermost dominion as soon' as possible. A valuable report had been prepared upon the distribution of the white population of the Empire, and although lie regretted that a temporary suspension of immigration had become necessary resumption would be made as soon as the position'in New Zealand could justify this action. .

TRADE WITHIN THE EMPIRE

Extension of trade depended upon stability of markets, and it was pleasing to find a reciprocity of feeling at the Conference that trade within the Empire was considered the most desirable thing for the general welfare. This Government was committed to a close investigation of the application of''" science to industry and production and the preservation of timber resources with the idea of getting best results wa£ in- . volved. Already the Government had taken action-in respect of the operation . of foreign cinematograph'films in this country which was due largely, to the; T preoccupation of Britain during the ■ War years, and Mr Coates was confident that the British film trade would be assisted materially by the operation of the Bill which was to be passed next year. Other questions discussed were the prospects for developing shipping, wireless telegraphy and telephony and de-' ■■'■■' fence, as well as 60 separate questions which he had found it necessary to discuss with the people at Home. Apart, altogether from the deliberations of the Imperial Conference he struck a helpful spirit in all quarters, and as a re-./ ■;. suit 1 of his trip abroad he .hoped for '■ better Imperial relations as well as a greater trade reciprocity with the U.S.A., where he was accorded a welcome reception. -' } I