PROBLEMS OF EMPIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20338, 20 August 1929, Page 10

PROBLEMS OF EMPIRE.

GENERAL'S VISIT TO LONDON.

MEETING WITH LORD JELLICOE

[Br TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ]

Wellington, Monday

Among the passengers who arrived at Wellington from England by the Tainui this morning was Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, who presided at the fourth conference of the British Empire Service League held in London. He spent only a month in England and did not go far beyond the metropolis. Every part of tho Empire was represented at the conference and many valuable exchanges of views were made.

One of the principal subjects discussed, said Sir Andrew, was trade within the Empire and the matter of how far the league could assist by means of propaganda. It was agreed that as far as possible steps should be taken to inculcate in people the advisability of buying goods mado within the Empire. As far as immigration was concerned the question was so big that it Was felt it would have to be tackled by the respective Governments and would require the undivided attention of expert bodies, "The Labour Government has created a Ministerial portfolio to deal with unemployment in Great Britain," said Sir Andrew. "It would seem that something similar will have to be done in regard to immigration. Up to date the immigration and unemployment problems have been everyone's job and no one's, but that will have to be altered^ "t am unable to say really mUch about the general conditions in England, as I was hardly out of London. In that city one is not conscious of anything wrong, because all the world goes there to spend its money. People from the United Slates of America are simply pouring in in their thousands."

Referring to the change of vote at Home ho said the general feeling appeared to be that the Labour Party should be given its chance. He had not heard a single word of disparagement of the now Government. As to general conditions in England, he felt he was not qualified to express an opinion, owing to the fact that he had not been in the provinces, but the general idea seemed to be that it would be very difficult to get the coat and cotton trades back to the basis on which they were previously. He had been informed that the shipbuilding trade was making good progress, but that the cycle trade was dull. Sir Andrew said ho had conversations with Viscount. Jellicoe and the latter spoke in the warmest terms of praise of New Zealand. "He takes a very active interest in all matters appertaining to the welfare of ex-soldiers and ex-sailors," added Sir Andrew. Tho next .conference will be held in Australia in two years' time and Lord Jellicoo will preside.