PACIFIC RELATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20521, 24 March 1930, Page 11

PACIFIC RELATIONS.

MEETING OF INSTITUTE. NEW ZE/fLAND BRANCH. The annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the Institute of Pacific Relations, which was held in Wellington recently, was attended by the president, Sir James Allen, and representatives from the groups in each of the four cities. In his annual report the president said that the branch was in the fourth year of its existence and was a healthy organisation of four groups. The membership was rather intensive than extensive and he trusted that during the year the groups would be able to make the work of. the institute better known among business men and publicists. He was much encourged by the generous assistance given by prominent leaders of industry in financing the delegation to the recent conference in Japan. The conference threw a great deal of work upon the branch and the groups in the preparation of data and in selecting and financing a delegation of adequate strength to represent New Zealand in a worthy manner.

The date of the next conference, which is to be held in China, was discussed. The American group forwarded a suggestion that the date Ehould be 1931. It was decided that the New Zealand branch should favour 1932, but not later than June of that year. By way of preparation it was recommended that a conference of all members of the New Zealand branch should be held at the end of 1931.

Reports from the delegates who attended the Japan conference were received. A resolution was carried expressing approval of the abandonment of a proposal to remove the headquarters of the institute from Honolulu. Dr. Belshaw reported upon the proposal that the Auckland University College should be entrusted with a research project into land utilisation and farm organisation in New Zealand, the research to be carried out under his supervision. A proposal for the study of New Zealand tariffs and the treatment of aliens in New Zealand was referred to the research secretary, Professor Benson, with power to act.

The following officers were elected:— President, Sir James Allen; vice-presi-dents, Mr. W. PL Cocker (Auckland), Mr. J. E. Strachan (Canterbury) and Mr. W. Nash, M.P. (Wellington); treasurer, Mr. V. N. Beasley; research secretary, Professor Benson.