THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21160, 18 April 1932, Page 12

THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

Sir, —Several names have been submitted as delegates or associates for this important conference. One or two writers have said that Mr. Forbes must go. Personally, I do not think that either Mr. Forbes or Mr. Coates should leave the Dominion for the necessary lengthened period. They are practically co-equal in leadership, and, as the rank and file of both parties seem to me to form only a sealing-wax Coalition, it might prove disastrous if pronounced political differences of opinion should lead to defections and perhaps an adverse vote in the absence of either leader. The condition of the Dominiou is critical and the problems which will confront Parliament during the next, session will require all the diplomacy and strength of character possessed by the leaders to divert legislation into the channels most essential for the Dominion's interest, and guide and hold their supporters together. Both leaders would in any case be in daily touch with the chosen delegates. My personal view is that Messrs. Downio Stewart and Ransom should be the Government nominees. Mr. Stewart because of his legal knowledge, his ready grasp of essentials, his financial ability, his political experience and his wide knowledge of national affairs. Mr. Ransom because of his political experience and his knowledge of and success in business, farming and politics. His capacity is undoubted and his interest in tile welfare of the Dominion paramount. Sir James Parr's views are already well known to British statesmen Platform oratory is not necessarily a good introduction to the studied deliberations of a round-table conference. Mr. Stewart possesses all the qualifications of Sir James and more. He possesses also more of the suaviter in modo which is so essential to complete harmony. As associates, I suggest Mr. Goodfellow, Mr. Jones and Mr. Acland, representing the dairy, meat and wool industries. To represent the commercial interests no doubt many men arc available. It seems to me that the meat industry should have a strong representation. It 'is well known that as far as beef is concerned we have no hope against the chilled beef and market proximity of the Argentine, and as thoy develop the sheep industry as they are doing now, our position will become precarious without a tariff, and, I think, a quota system. As another associate I suggest Sir Henry Buckleton. Probably no man in the Dominion is so well acquainted with our private and national finance as Sir Henry, and the influence tariffs would have upon the growth and development, of both our primary and secondary industries. With his experience and sound judgment he would prove u sounder financial advisor than anvone else who could be found. I am Veil aware that neither Mr. Stewart nor Sir Henry is a persona grata with the farmers, but as a farmer I am also aware that the judgment regarding both is unjustified. In any case the delegates and their associates are being called upon to take part in a conference which is fraught with momentous possibilities to the future of New Ztialand and the Empire. It is imperative, therefore, that neither private nor political opinions should weigh in the selection olf both delegates and associates. Spm.