ON THE AORANGI

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 1 July 1932, Page 5

ON THE AORANGI

OTTAWA DELEGATES SERIES OF CONSULTATIONS FEELING OF OPTIMISM 'United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received Ist July, 10.40 a.m.) SUVA, This Day. The Australian and Now Zealand delegations are taking advantage of shipboard opportunities for a series of consultations in view of developing uniformity of attitude at Ottawa. The representatives of various industries are discussing details of their respective aims, and will achieve a united programme before the Conference opens. The exchange of views with industrial leaders in other dominions has reached an advanced stage. The Australian delegation is armed with voluminous reports on primary industries, giving evidence that Air Lyons did not exaggerate when he said that no previous delegation from Australia was better equipped. The feeling of optimism among the Australian and New Zealand delegates is not diminished. There is a determination to achieve more than mere formulas, but it is admitted that tho question of Empire currency presents a problem of the first magnitude, which will probably be tackled at the earliest stages.

•Mr Bruce, Mr Oullctt and experts have been in daily session since the boat left Auckland. Mr Coates has a dual responsibility, whereas Mr Bruce and Mr Gullett are looking only ahead, reading wireless reports of the Premiers’ Conference with detached interest. Mr Downie Stweart, whose health is benefitting by the restfulness of the voyage, is now appearing on deck in a wheeled chair watching games and enjoying the increasing sunshine. BRITISH MEAT IMPORTS AUSTRALIAN PROPOSALS (Received Ist July, 11.20 a.m.) SUVA, This Day. Tho Commonwealth proposals at Ottawa to assist tho meat industry will be based upon a schedule of duties drawn up by the London representatives of the Australian industry, together with the recommendation that the British Government should restrict foreign imports with the object of adjusting them to provide for the seasonal requirements of British markets, thus avoiding gluts and shortages, and assuring a steady average of prices. The tariff proposals are: Beef, mutton, lamb, pork and veal preferential Empire tariff all free. Full foreign tariff per lb.: Beef I'd, mutton lamb 2d, pork lgd, veal TJ,d. Preferential foreign tariff per lb.: Beef -gd, mutton fd, lamb Id, pork -|d, veal £-d. The Australian industry’s original proposals, now abandoned, were an absolute preference of I'd per lb. on frozen and chilled mutton, lamb, beef, veal and frozen sundries; and an absolute preference of 2d per lb. on preserved, canned, smoked and salted meats. The leaders of the Australian industry on reconsideration yielded to strong London representations that the latter high protection was impracticable. MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR. GENERAL TO BOTH DELEGATIONS AUCKLAND. This Day. The Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe. sent the following message to Mr Contes: “To New Zealand and Australian delegates alike, and all those accompanying them, I cordially wish a safe and happy journey and at- its end a big share at the Empire’s first- great Parliament of Industry, <in laying the foundation of a stable edifice of a new and more assured prosperity for His Majesty’s subjects of all classes throughout the world.”

Mr Coates has replied that the message was keenly appreciated and would be an inspiration to all.