EMPIRE CONFERENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11655, 20 October 1923, Page 6

EMPIRE CONFERENCE

MR MASSEY’S ACTIVITIES CONFERENCE CLOSELY STUDYING DEFENCE PROBLEMS EARL BEATTY ATTENDS. (.■special to Press Association.) (Received October 1!), 7.;i0 p.m.) LONDON, October 19. It has been a very busy week wit.li the Prime Mini.siors. Both Conferences liavo been sitting, but not clashing. The n!l-nnportnnt questions of postal ( onimunivat :ons «n<l shipping, m which Mr Masscv took a leading part, occupied the 'Economic. Conference, while it the Imperial Conference attention was chiefly concentrated on naval, military. and* air defence. Necessarily, the discU'.sions on tho hitter were highly confidential. This afternoon Earl Bcattv attended, and explained in detail the varying aspects of naval policy. Tho proposed Singapore ba*se figured largely. Fxirther sittings yot are to be devoted to foreign policy and defence* as the Conference proceeds, particularly naval defence. Australian and New Zealand interests are becoming more closely identified. ECONOMIC MATTERS. Mr Massey expressed particular satisfaction at ‘tho work of the shipping committee, ns disclosed in the report of Sir Halford Mackinder. “Tho Fruitgrower” warmly acclaims Mr Massey's championing of tho amendment ot tho Merchandise Afarks Act. Tho unsatisfactory condition of affairs under tho condominium control of the Now Hebrides was introduced bv Mr Massey, and has been well discussed b. v a «4>ccia! committee of the Imperial Conference to which it was referred Tiie Duke of Devonshire presided, and the Foreign Office was represented. Proceedings were confidential, but recommendations are to be submitted to the Conference. Mr Massey s emphatic advocacy of reform had the support of Australia. .Mr Massey moved the resolution expressing the Conference’s appreciation of the valuable work done by the Imperial Shipping Committee. Mr Bruce sef'ouded the motion. _ Sir Halford Mackinder, in reply, said w ., 9 by such an expression, especially from Mr Massey, who had fathered tho committee. The question of making the committee a permanent institution was dismissed. It is understood that the committee is prepared to continue its work in a purely honorary capacity.

MR BRUCE’S CAMPAIGN

micoh cry—LITTLE WOOL.” “WALLS HAVE NOT FALLEN.” By Teleeraoh— Press Assn.-Copyright. SYDNEY, Oc.ober 19. Mr W M. Hughes, in a special article in the “Daily Telegraph ” dealins with preference, says: *lt would appear that,- as far as preference goes, it is with the Imperial Conference a c?.sc of ‘much cry and little wool. Mr Bruce is asking for a seat at quet table, and fobbed off with a handful of dried currants. , , “Little Joshua of old, he marched around the walls with much blaring ot trumpets, but the walls have not Fallen ; the garrison is not made of stuff that throws down its arms at the sound of trumpets. Like Oliver Twist, the dominions ask for more. Britain heais but does not herd the coming of the charmers, and while blandishments fail, threats fare even worse, for they serve to harden still more the stubborn temper of the English.” After arguing the difficulties or the position, and urging the ueod for retaining British markets, he says: “What has happened is what everyone who knows England would have expected. We shall get nothing out of the Conference that the British Government would not have granted U 3 in any case.”

PREFERENCE IN MEAT

FREE STORAGE IN BRITAIN. M.TVS SUGGESTION. Australian and N Z. Association. (Received October 19, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 19. All Marshall Stevens. M.P . chairman of the Trafford Park Estates, Ltd., at Manchester, suggested to Mr Neville Chamberlain that the Government could give the dominions preferential treatment on meat without trenching on fiscal considerations by giving it free storage in Britain’s cold stores. Tho suggestion has boon placed before the committee ot the Imperial Economic Conference.