OTTAWA AGREEMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21346, 22 November 1932, Page 9

OTTAWA AGREEMENTS

GIVING ROYAL ASSENT

THE TRADITIONAL CEREMONY

LONDON, Nov. 15

"What's this they're passing?" was the idle query of bystanders when Black Rod led a party of leading Ministers and members of tho House of Commons from the Commons to tho Lords this afternoon, in the traditional ceremony of obtaining the Royal assent to the Ottawa Agreements.

With so little pomp was one of tho most historic measures of Imperial legislation passed into law. Probably nobody in England, excepting those immediately associated with the preparation of the final drafts, remembered that it will be 30 years on December 16 next since the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain "startled friends and foes alike by his scheme for preferential treatment of colonial imports and protection for native manufactures." Comparatively few members of the House of Commons were in the House when tho summons came from the Lords. They had to jog their memory to realise the significance of the occasion. t

The final act was the Treasury issuing an order under the bill, directing the operation of the provisions forthwith, with specified exceptions.

ROUTE OF WHEAT SHIPS

DIRECT CONSIGNMENT QUESTION

LONDON, Nov. 15

Technical details in the Ottawa agreements are causing friction between the Dominions and commercial departments of the Board of Trade.

Australian wheat exporters aro hit by a regulation whereby Australian goods must bo consigned direct to England in order to enjoy the tariff preferences. As wheat ships usually call at intermediate ports for orders, ifc is not clear whether their cargoes will, in such circumstances, be eligible for preferences. Tho trade Considers tho uncertainty to bo worse than tho definite duty imposed on foreigners, since merchants will not incur commitments until they know where they stand. Australia House has protested, and tho Board of Trade is conferring to find a workable solution.