RESULT OF OTTAWA CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 14 October 1932, Page 7

RESULT OF OTTAWA CONFERENCE

NEW ZEALAND’S AGREEMENTS MEW TARIFF RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED IN' HOUSE PREFERENCES FOR INTER EMPIRE TRADE REMOVAL OF SURTAX.-REVISED CUSTOMS RATES The full text of the agreement between the United Kingdom and New Zealand at the Ottawa Conference was presented in the House of Representatives last evening by the Right Hon. J. G. Coates who reptesented! the Dominion Government at the Conference. (From Tlie “Mail’s” Parliamentary Reporter)

WELLINGTON, 13tli October. The summary of the proceedings of the Ottawa Conference was circulated amongst lion, members last week, said Mr Coates., I now wish to lay on the table the full text- of the agreement between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. It may assist if I make a statement bearing on the conference and the agreement before I move certain resolutions affecting the Customs duties levied on imports. Later, on, after ample opportunity for debate has been given, I shall move for the ratification of the agreement, and a Customs Bill embodying to-night’s resolutions will come down at an early date. The Ottawa Conference of 1932 marks a milestone in the. history, of our Empire. No previous colonial qr Imperial conference vyas .charged with issues—with, menacing dangers if it should fail, with' richer promise should it happily succeed —more vital to the welfare of our people. The world-wide depression had passed beyond the stage at which it was •yitb^n. the power of any nation by its single-handed efforts to arrest the drift. Co-operation, on a wide scale was necessary, not merely to effect recovery but- to prevent further collapse. The . countries of the Commonwealth of British Nations looked to Ottawa to set them, by co-oper-ative effort on the high road towards recovery. ~

Bacon Imports into tlie United Kingdom 1929 8,278,100cw15. 1931 11,137,600cwt5. Increase 2,859,700cwt5.

Nor, were the. nations within our Empire' alone in looking to Ottawa and recognising its significance. Other nations, equally in the grip of the depression, were alive to the bearing of the conference' on their own welfare. Anything that would'hasten recovery in the onefourth of the. world which is included within ti e Empire would be the most; effective way of assisting also the other thr'ee-fourths.. Events prior to the conference, Great Britain’s steadfast calm in the face of adversity, and the success of her great conversion loan, had strengthened the ability of' the British Enipiuo to play its. traditional part’ in leading the world towards recovery; We were not seeking the selfish advancement of ; our own country or one Empire, regard*, ! less of the welfare of the rest of the j world. Judged by even the narrow stall-. I dards of tlie material gain to tlie, nation ] pursuing it, such an attitude of isolation is unwise. It brings its own undoing. , Rather was it our ideal and our inune- : diate purpose, to contribute our part toi wards general recovery, in which our people would reap their share. I I cannot express this sentiment better 1 Ilian by recalling the words of Mr Baldwin, uttered in his opening address to the conference: Stressing the, need for “clearing the channels o.f trade among ourselves,” ana for promoting' commerce within the. Empire, Mr Baldwin noted that “th'eife are tjwo ways in which increased preference, can be given—either by i lowering barriers among ourselves, or by raising then; against others. . . We should endeavour (he said) to follow the first rather than the second course. Eor however great our resources, we cannot isolate ourselves from the world. N 0,... nation or group of nations however wealthy, and populous, can. maintain prosperity, in a world: where depression and impoverishment reign.” The delegations from each and every Dominion at Ottawa subscribed to this ideal. Before referring in detail to our agreement, I desire to emphasise that ioyalty to the' agreement requires that we should proceed by way of removing barriers to trade, barriers and hindrances which aie so largely responsible for common impoverishment in a world abounding with the means of plenty. The immediate purpose of the Ottawa Conference, so far as New Zealand was concerned, was to obtain assured markets for our imports, and for these markets we look mainly to the United Kingdom. First, then, we sought continued exemption from the United "Kingdom’s 10 per cent, revenue tariff. This exemption was due to expire on 15tli November next. Had it not been for the Ottawa ■Conference, or liad we failed to reach agreement, the tariff would have fallen on our products imported into the United Kingdom after that date, just a month hence. The first achievement of the agreement, provided for in Article 1, is that our staple exports; are to remain exempt from the tariff. Moreover, an increased margin of preference, mostly of the order of 15 per cent., instead of the former 1G per cent., is to be granted to- many New Zealand exports. This applies to butter, cheese, apples, pears, eggs, milk products, and honey. Oil a further substantial list ot our exports, the- margin of 10 per cent, preference over foreign products is to-be maintained. The 15 per cent, list covers many foodstuffs, the 10 per cent, list covers articles which are the raw materials of British' manufacturing industries. A highly valuable provision now conceded by the United Kingdom is that these preferences on New Zealand products are, for the most part, guaranteed to continue for at least five years. A reservation in relation to dairy products (schedule A to the agreement) enables the United Kingdom, after the expiry of three years, and in the interests of the United Kingdom producer, to impose a duty on Empire products, while maintaining the existing margin of preference over foreign produce, or to introduce a system of quantitative regulation of all supplies. But generally the arrangements concluded at Ottawa are effective for five years, and thereafter until six months’ notice of denunciation has been given by either party. The list of New Zealand exports on which preference is guaranteed, is set out in the schedules to our agreement. Those j schedules are not identical in the products enumerated with the schedules of other Dominions. Our schedules include only tliose products in which New Zealand is at present interested as an exporter. But in this connection it is to be added that, if we build up an export trade to the United Kingdom in any line now included in the schedule of another Dominion but not in our own, our position is safeguarded. We will enjoy the benefit of the preference. We will enjoy what may be called “most-favoured-Do-minion treatment.” If we export, for example, tobacco or preserved fruit, we automatically become entitled to the preference which is given to any other Dominion. MEAT In regard to meat, our agreement proceeds along new lines. The purpose of

the agreed policy is not different from that sought in other products. It is to secure for the Dominions and the home producer an increased and assured share m the United Kingdom market, at remunerative prices. But the method of approach is different in the case of meat, and as it- has been the subject, of some misunderstanding, I shall refer to it in some detail. lam also able now to announce certain important figures which, up. to tho present, have not been disclosed.

The outstanding fact- to note in connection with the United Kingdom meat market is the vast and abnormal increase. in supplies. With tlie closing or curtailment of important. European markets, supplies which they normally absorb have been diverted to the United Kingdom. Particularly has this been true of pig products, and indeed their increase has been sufficient of itself to account for the collapse in meat prices. The figures of bacon imports for the past two years show the extent of the increase:—

If we lake the estimate that 201 b of bacon (boneless meat) is equal to one lamb, the increase in bacon in two years is equal to 16,000,000 carcases of lamb, equal to the whole of the lamb imported into the United Kingdom from all sources in 193 U The result was that the meat market was broken by this deluge of bacon imports New Zealand does not export bacon, but the increase in bacon supplies has broken the market for all meat. The following figures summarise the estimated imports of meat from all sources into the United Kingdom in the

Totals 26,905,000 28,507,000 31,420,000 The figures, showing a steep increase, reflect not, the normal course of trade, but tlie distress and forced offering of abnormal supplies at prices regardless of - the cost- of production. Even at the low prices which have- prevailed, it has been impossible to absorb tlie greatly increased volume of supplies. This condition, with prices below- the cost of production, is disastrous to producers, and must react in the injury of consumers, etc. To cope with the abnormal conditions just described, abnormal measures are clearly necessary. New Zealand sought, as a long-term measure, a preferential position in the United Kingdom market, to be secured by means of a. tariff on foreign supplies with free entry for the products of the Dominions. To supplement tin's, as an emergency measure, we suggested the imposition of a quota against foreign supplies. At the present time the meat imports of the United Kingdom have the following origin: Foreign 76 per cent. Empire 24 per cent-. Our contention was that there was ample scope for increasing the Dominion’s share, and this was not disputed. Moreover, the New Zealand proposals were accepted as the basis of tlie agreed requests advanced on behalf of all Dominions to the United Kingdom. His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom were unable to accede to the request for a tariff on foreign meat. The statement, widely published in New Zealand, that they were prepared to impose such a tariff, and that it was rejected by ns is contrary to fact. At no time were the United Kingdom representatives at Ottawa prepared to contemplate a tariff on meat. While unable to impose a tariff on foreign meat, tlie Government of tlie United Kingdom were prepared, and indeed, in the interests of their producers they were determined, to apply a scheme for the regulation of imports. The objective of the scheme as expressed in our agreement is a twofold one; to raise the price of our meat to a- remunerative level, and to progressively increase the share of the home producer and the Dominions in the United'Kingdom market. So far as pig products are concerned — in which New Zealand is interested as a potential exporter and by reason of the bearing of these products on the meat market generally—finality has not been reached. At the moment the whole situation is being surveyed by a Commission specially set up for the purpose in the United Kingdom. But we are assured that a substantial reduction will be made in imports of foreign bacon supplies and that the Dominions will acquire an increasing share in the United Kingdom market. Mutton and lamb are the meat products in which New Zealand is most directly interested at the moment. and as shown by tlie figures already quoted, recent increases in the supply on the United Kingdom market have exceeded the capacity of the market to absorb them. Tlie competitors of the British Dominions are mainly the South American republics. Their mutton and lamb exports to the United Kingdom, while substantial in volume, do not constitute a large proportion of their total, meat exports ; they arc interested mainly in chilled beef, and in this line our southern dominions are unable to compete.

By the agreement made at Ottawa, Tlis Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom agree to reduce the imports of foreign mutton and lamb bv'the following percentages, as compared with the toial for the twelve months ending, 30th June, .1932: Quarter ending March 31, 1933, bv 10 per cent. June 30, 1933, by 15 per cent. Sept. 30, .1933, by 20 per cent. Dec. 31. 1933, by 25 per cent. March 31. 1934, by 30 per cent. June 30, 1934, by 35 per cent. And thereafter at not less than 35 per cent, for the period of the Ottawa agreement, i. 0., for five years in all. Foreign frozen beef is to be subject to I lie same percentage reductions as thoso iust mentioned. Chilled beef imports from foreign sources are to be regulated so that no increase beyond the quantity for the year ending 30{h June, 1932, will be permitted.

. An alternative method of expressing the agreement in relations to the imports 'of foreign meat is given as follows: — (Statement showing the maximum quantities of foreign meat to be allowed to be imported into the United Kingdom each quarter of the period Ist January, 1933, to 30th June, 1934, expressed as. percentages of' the qua util ies imported' in the corresponding quarters of the twelve months ended. 30th June, 1932.)

No reduction is to be imposed on any exports from New Zealand. We. have, however, agreed, as set out in my letter to Mr Baldwin, to give early in each season a reliable estimate of exports by weight of mutton and lamb. In consultation with the representative of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, we have given an estimate for the season which is just commencing. The pui-po.se is to assist iri orderly marketing of supplies in the United Kingdom. It is manifestly fair, as between one.. Dominion and another that substantially similar conditions should apply to all, and the Ottawa agreements satisfy this requirement. We are not to exceed tlie estimate given.

It is impossible for anybody to mathematically calculate tho precise effect on prices which will result from regulation of supplies.. But it can bo assumed that such regulation will tend to raise prices to a remunerative level. The United Kingdom Government are able, in accordance with the. agreement, to safeguard the interests of consumers ; and the plan adopted will, it is believed, be beneficial to producers without detriment to consumers.

CONCESSIONS BY NEW ZEALAND I have dealt with the concessions which, by virtue of the Ottawa agreements, the United Kingdom Government extend to New Zealand, and have sketched tlie position in regard to meat. I now turn to the changes in the New Zealand Customs tariff to which we_ agree. Generally, our undertaking is that “protection by tariffs shall be afforded against United Kingdom products only to those industries which are reasonably assured of sound opportunities for success.” Wo agree to institute an enquiry into existing protective duties (at which enquiry United Kingdom producers will have facilities for expressing their views) and where necessary we will reduce protective duties to such a level as will place the United Kingdom, producer in the position of a domestic competitor, that is, to quote the text of the agreement, they will be reduced to a level “which will give the United Kingdom producer full opportunity of reasonable competition on tlie basis of the relative cost of economical and efficient production.” We agree also to remove at once the surtax on goods produced in tho United Kingdom and, when financial conditions permit, to remove the primage duty of 3 per cent, ad valorem. These were imposed, it will he recalled, for revenue purposes and not for the protection of local industries. Turning now to the detailed changes in our Customs tariff, to which we are committed by the Ottawa agreement, and which will lie placed before the House to-night in the form of Customs resolutions. Not all tlie results of the Ottawa Conference can be expressed in terms of Customs schedules and tariff changes. The Conference afforded an opportunity for discussion and for agreement on many matters in which oui*. countries face common problems. I refer to some of these : PRICE LEVEL The representatives of all Governments were emphatic in describing the collapse of commodity prices, unprecedented in its suddenness as the most serious aspect of the depression. This has wiped out margins of profit, causing industrial stagnation and unemployment. It has rendered fixed monetary obligations intolerable, and lias necessitated most drastic measures of adjustment. By general agreement, first the raising of the general price-level, and then its reasonable stabilisation, must be our objective. Ways and means of achieving this were discussed, and a policy of co-operation with tlie United Kingdom was agreed upon. It is emphasised that the decline in prices in New Zealand, as elsewhere, has been more marked in wholesale than in retail prices. This disparity, the widening gap between wholesale and retail, is of first importance in discussing measures to restore prices to a profitable level. Wliat we seek to restore is tlie wholesale price level. And a rise in this does not necessarily mean an increase in the cost of living.' In every country in which prices have recently collapsed it can be shown that at least a partial restoration of the wholesale price level can be achieved, not b-r raising retail prices, but- by closing in nart the additional gap that has recently appeared as between wholesale and retail prices. CENTRAL BANK

The control and organisation of banking within countries of the Empire were discussed by the Ottawa Conference. These are not the subject of a specific resolution or recommendation; the view was taken by some that action in such matters was the responsibility of the respective Governments represented at the Conference. However, it was certainly the general opinion that some form of central control, such as that usually obtained by means of a central or reserve bank, is important and essential. New Zealand is almost unique in the British Empire in being without a responsible organisation of this nature. The mobilising of credit to ensure its most effective use. and the .stabilising of our currency in terms of sterling at the appropriate level are problems in which the machinery of a central bank could materially beip.-I do not by any means imagine it- would solve all our problems. But after discussions at Ottawa with most competent authorities, I am satisfied that the creation of a central bank in New Zealand will be a step in the right direction. CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS AND RADIO Apart from strictly monetary and economic questions, Hie Conference atOttawa was concerned with other factors which affect the welfare of the Empire and in which co-operation can be helpful. The part played by the cinematography iu the everyday life of the people ; , its importance in conveying the traditions of ihe Empire, its almost inseparable connection with commercial development, called for the attention of the Conference. No part of the Empire can afford to allow this medium to remain in alien hands. The resolution of the Conference favoured the encouragement of film production not in the United Kingdom alone, but, so far as practicable, in countries of the Overseas Empire also. This is a development in which our Dominion uirwell share. Incidentally I may remark that such New Zealand-made films as we saw abroad, professing to represent New

Zealand views, left very much to be desired. Satisfaction was expressed with the results from our New Zealand legislation which is designed to encourage the exhibition of British films. This was regarded as a possible guide to other Dominions, and, outside of the Conference, though arising from its deliberations. I had enquiries from responsible persons who are anxious to apply elsewhere the methods which have proved effective here. The main conference also had under brief review the recent developments of broadcasting. It discussed means for ensuring that programmes of general interest should be accessible to all parts of the Empire ; and for assisting the interchange of facilities possible through mechanical recording and reproduction. SHIPPING The Conference had under discussion some aspects of shipping competition which are of special concern to New Zealand. It is recognised by both Australia and New Zealand that British interests should be safeguarded against unequal competition, and this applies, of course, to New Zealand interests in the' Pacific. All that is desired is that we should bo assured of reasonably equitable conditions iii trading. Tins matter is now the subject of communication's between Governments.

The Ottawa Conference was unique as an Imperial Conference in the fact that there were present a number of men representing our primary and secondary industries. From New Zealand we had Mr David Jones, chairman of the Meat Producers’ Board; Sir Francis Boys, nominated by the New Zealand Farmers’ Union; Mr Goodfellow, for the Dairy Board and the Honey Board ; Mr Napier, representing fruit; Mr Hamilton for hops and tobacco : and Mr Reid, for New Zealand manufacturers. Mr Forsyth, London manager for the Meat Board, and Mr Davis for the Dairy Board both came to Ottawa. This was a new tvne of representation, .and a most valuable one.

At the Conference we were discussing every day and every hour vital matters that go to the heart of the industries on which depends the livelihood of every individual, and the welfare of the State. To have these representatives with us was a source of great strength to our small delegation. The New Zealand delegation was small in number, both of Ministers and of officials, compared, with delegations from any other Dominion. But we were able, I think, to make an effective contribution to the work of the Conference. I desire to pay a tribute to the splendid service rendered by our officials and by the advisers who accompanied us. No delegation could have had more competent and loyal help. THE FUTURE I have given reasons for believing that the results of the Ottawa Conference will be an important factor in providing a very substantial help in restoring equilibrium arid a return to prosperity., Already a marked improvement in confidence is evident. And apart from immediate benefits, the success of the Conference lay?-q_ foundation. for the future. But' while we note with satisfaction the. success achieved, we will recognise that tasks of rear difficulty' still lie ahead. Foremost amongst our economic problems is that of marketing our products. I do'not belittle the importance of giving constant attention to production when I say that to-day the emphasis has moved from production to the effective marketing of our produce. New Zealand will long look to the United Kingdom to absorb the bulk of her exports—indeed, Great Britain’s market is vital to our very economic existence ; and for this reason we must be prepared to play our part in assisting her industries. At the same time it is incumbent upon our producers and manufacturers to search out, and create new markets and new outlets for their products. Already useful assistance is being given by the Trade Commissioner service, and ,it is evident that in default of such, service our exports will suffer. There' are many activities in trade promotion which individual manufacturers and exporters cannot be expected to un dertake. services, which are essential in the general interest. This is a fact which is frequently overlooked when, criticism is levelled against Government expenditure on Trade Commissioner services. It would be false economy to curtail these, particularly at a time when wider markets are our pressing need. It is now most urgent that our producers, manufacturers, and the Government should pool their efforts in establishing muchneeded new outlets. In. the sphere of marketing, New Zealand primary producers are singularly fortunate in the fact that already their export interests are assisted by their own responsible boards. The value of those bodies was clearlv shown at the Ottawa Conference. Their representatives were able to speak with authority for the important- primary industries; we were able to turn to them for information and consultation. No other part of the Empire was so fortunately placed as New Zealand in this respect, and it would he reasonable to say that the definite tendency is for other countries to work along somewhat the same lines as New Zealand in setting up producers’ direct organisations. I cannot too stronglv emphasise, in the light of the Ottawa Conference, the value of our primary producers’ export hoards, to farmers and to the Dominion as a whole. One returns from the Conference impressed with the new importance attached bv the United Kingdom to her own farming industry. Its encouragement is accepted as a- first object of State policy. Agriculture-is not being left to take care of^itself. It is being advanced by keen competent officials and leaders both in

the farming industry and in political life. Afore than once in the course of this Statement I have noted how directly the attitude of His, Majesty’s Government in United "Kingdom was influenced by the determination to assist the Home agricultural producer- This changed outlook in the Kingdom is of much concern to us in New Zealand. , In meeting competition and in finding hew markets,.'the keynote to success for s|w Zealand producers will be attention to; qualify:. At our instigation a subcjommitltee of, the Conference was set up for the .purpose, of examining grading dtandailds ip relation to agricultural :produpts. The suggestion was that action s[hpuld We taken, towards the'adoption of uniform standards of grading, at least as fjuj as minimum grades are concerned. Tlijs is now being followed 1 up by all GaVmniriehts interested. Though I have thus referred briefly to some of the problems that still face us, I; think I- can conclude my statement bv claiming that the, result of Ottawa represents a' valuable achievement. Our exports are To'-be' favoured, in part by increased! preferences, guaranteed for a. teirin of'years, and in part by the regulation of foreign imports! The urgent need for raishig and stabilising the general price’ level has been brought home to everyone. Appropriate action along sound lines is being taken and will be. continued' to; effect . an" adjustfhehtj arid already' signs of improvement' are evident'; ~ The meVe fact that agreement has been reached is itself! a considerable achievement. It is. seen to be an achievement when one calls to: mind the great diversity and range, of problems and conflicting interests that faced the Conference. Representing one-fourth of the world’s population,' with different interests and races arid creeds', the delegates were confronted' by problems not less perplexing than those that confront so many independent.' Rations, The Ottawa Conference, as lion, meni- • liers are aware, was preceded by the Lausanne Conference, where European nations were successful in removing at least some' of their outstanding differences and difficulties. It is to be followed by a wQrld conference. Nothin" was done at. .Ottawa by representatives of tlie British Commonwealth of Nations which will; prejudice the success of tlyat world confereri'ce.. . We were mindful, as I emphasised, of the urgent need for promoting world recovery. Ottawa was. a step in that direction i Finally, Mr Speaker, I should like to add’ a personal note of sincere appreciation of ilie services rendered to New Zealand and the Empire by Mr' Downie Stewart. His' judgment aad... cjyjacitv were valued bv all who took-part rmtlie Conference. If he were here lie would join with me in thanking. our. colleagues 'who carried on short-handed in bur. absence and gave us loyal, supposj and encouragement. .. ' j.'. .. \ “VERY SUBSTANTIAL PREFERENCES” DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE RESOLUTIONS TO BE ACCORDED URGENCY Mr Coates completed' the delivery of liis speech at 8.30 p.m. and tabled the, agreement between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The Prime , Minister moved that urgency be accorded, the Customs resolutions and to tlfe fonrial motion for ratification of the agreement. The idea was to enable, a'.frill &iscussoi%.on tlie conference result’s take place on Tuesday. Mr 11. E. Holland (Leader' of the Onposition) inquired whether the method proposed would not curtail the debate, but was assured by Mr Forbes: that tlia.tr was not. his'.'iht'eiitiori'i The plan was to provide an opportunity for a full' debate on Tuesday, as., the Imprest Bill bad to be considered to-morrow. The urgency motions were agreed to cn the first stage of the resolutions. Mr Holland said the tariff changes sought to be made were only a preliminary to what would follow in view of the article empowering the New Zealand Government to undertake an inquiry into the existing protective duties and reduce them as speedily as possible to a level placing the United Kingdom producer in a position ,of domestic competitor. Unit portion of tin report contained elements of dariger to secondary industries and British and foreign confectionery would be more advantageously placed in competition with local manufactures, although the confectionery trade in New Zealand was in a deplorable condition to-dav. The apparel industry was natural to New Zealand, and the same argument applied to hosiery, the time had arrived to give up tendering and for New Zealand to say that if goods could not be produced in the Dominion they should come in duty tree, and if they coulti be produced here, importations that wore natural were not required. The effect of the resolutions would be to

open the New Zealand market to Jap'ap. The removal of the surtax would., stride another blow at local manufacturers. There was no doubt the’ Japanese weie invading the New Zealand market at, the present time. . ... * * Dealing with meat Mr HpJlaAd. said sopner or later Argentine..meat’ would come in conflict with New_ Zealandjiritei’csts. He suggested the time .had .arrived when straight out trade';, agreements should be made with Britain and other countries. The only splution' of the present difficulty was to improve the purchasing povyer of the people.! Mr Forbes expressed complete satisfaction with the agreement reached,jgtLOttawa. He said the arrangemehts■ -made marked a forward steps in intef-Empirfi economic relations and New Zeahind would receive a substantial bqheflt, yjThij return asked from New Zealand in response to tlie concessions iriade'by.thp Mother country was comparatively small, and showed the generous attitude'of‘Britain to the Dominions. Very substantia] preferences had been given New Zealand produce and there was no doubt it was most, important to this .country 'slje conserve British markets as far as possible. '

Continuing, Mr Forbes said the "Secondary industries which had been established on an unsound basis cotiltf’lidt .expect to be maintained at the expense of the consumer. He was confident' ’that ,those industries in the forefront—there were a large number of spleUdid'dii'clusti ies in New Zealand—would be able to maintain their position' ail'd 1 tllfeji"'cpfilq compete oil reasonable terms; with oiitj side, competition. Manufactu'rfei’L'hhd'np right to expect the retention of protection in the form of surtax because,both surtax and primage duty had been iniposed purely for revenue purposes. : . The first stage of the resolution was completed just before midnight. ' The Customs resolutions were adopted by the House at 12.30 p.m.. 'Mr Forbes then moved a' -formal. ;nq,-. tion ratifying the, agreement Between tiie United Kingdom and New Ze'alaildu The Leader of the Opposition, moved; an adjournment of the debate which .Wasj set down as the order of the day -fob Tuesdav next. ~ ; The House rose at 12.30 a.m. ' hlitiL 1 10.30 o’clock this morning. The details of the new tariff resolutions are published oil page two.

years 1929, 1930, 1931:— 1929 1930 1931 c-.vts. cwis. cwls, Beef ... 11,670,000 11,578,000 11,982,000 Mutton & lamb 5,631,000 6,383,000 7,107,000 ducts 9,604,000 10,546,000 12,331,000

1933 1934 2) , . , P ? 0) ~ p. *-* rt n ~ x Q. £ H: rS v; OS h-j C/ o' 'o' o/ of o/ /o /<> Frozen .Mutton /o /o /o & Lamb 90 85 Frozen beef (carcases & Ironed 80 75 70 .65 beef 90 85 Chilled 80 75 70 65 beef .. 100 100 100 100 100 100