FREE TRADE POLICY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11660, 26 October 1923, Page 6

FREE TRADE POLICY

MR MASSEY CRITICAL “OTHER COUNTRIES CHARGE YOU TO THE HILT.” “YOU ARE SOFT - ” Bv Telegraph—Press A*sn —Copyright Apatrel.au and N.Z. Cnble Association. (Received October ‘25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 25. Speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce dinner, the Duke of Devonshire referred to Air W. F. Alassey a* “the father of the Conference,” and hoped that when he could not attend himself he would throw on his successor his mantle of usefulness and helpfulness, and the true Imperial spirit. Air Massey, in replying to the toast ot “The Trade of the Empire,” said he had reason to believe that India would be perfectly satisfied with what the Conference had done that day. Referring to reparations, he sftid France was wrong in occupying the Ruhr, but people should not forget that France had been twice invaded in 50 years. “CHEQUE WOULD OBLIGE.” Britain, Australia, and New Zealand were paying their war debts to the last shilling, but personally he would like to see the European countries reminded that a cheque would oblige. On the question of free trade, Mr Massey said:: “You allow goods into your country duty free, but do other countries allow your goods in free? Not much I They charge you up to the hilt. You are soft enough to call that free trade!”

Senator R. V. Wilson emphasised that Australia was not a kindergarten, and men who came out must work. The dominion delegates came to England pleading., but Britain and the dominions ought to pay “fifty-fifty” in the interests of the Empire. Australia would be able to carry out her deal.

128 MILLIONS

PAID TO UNEMPLOYED. OFFICIAL REPORT. Australian and H Z. Cable Association. (Received October 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. October 24. A report on national unemploj'ment insurance shows that was paid to the unemployed between November, 1920, and June. 1923. The amounts ranged from 12s to 22s per week. One quarter of the total amount was paid by the taxnayer and threequarters by the employers and workers, equally.