DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18947, 22 August 1923, Page 3

DUNEDIN EXHIBITION.

IMPERIAL OR INTERNATIONAL? MOTION BEFORE WELLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. (Pua United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 21. The Dunedin International Exhibition was discussed at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, when it was sought to got a motion carried protesting against any Government subsidy being given to an Exhibition at which goods other than those of an Imperial character would be allowed to compete with British or ;New Zealand goods. Mr F. Meadowcroft said ho wished to bring the matter forward as representing the British manufacturers and agents. it would not be right to subsidise an Exhibition whore other nations, and possibly former enemy nations, would be allowed to come in and compete with British and New Zealand manufacturers. He moved — “That a protest bo made against any subsidy being given to an International Exhibition.” Mr L. Fletcher seconded tho motion. Mr H. D. Bennett said ho thought the motion went too far. They should be careful about interfering in a thing like this. While thinking the motion too harsh, Mr A. Leigh Hunt remarked that they were spending millions to build up Imperial trade. If the Empire was to be selt-supporling they must build it up. Mr J. T. Martin objected to the chamber going out of its way to pass a motion like the one proposed, and he was supported by Mr I). A. Ewan, who said that if Germany did try to compete it was only a question of tariff. Another member said that the manufacturers were desirous of ascertaining what sorts of goods they wore likely to have to compete against m future. He also referred to the fact that England made no objection to German paper and toys being admitted into England. Mr Hunt urged that the taxpayers had a perfect right to say that their money should not be given to subsidise anything which was not of an Imperial character. Mr Ewan pointed out that £500,000 worth of goods had been imported from England in the last six months. These had come out as British goods, but they had every reason to believe that they were made in Germany. In that case he could not see why they should object to Dunedin’s action. After hearing other speakers Mr Meadowcroft altered his motion as follows: —“That this council will lend its support to a Government subsidy for tho Dunedin Exhibition provided that the exhibits are confined to Imperial products.” The Chairman supported tho new motion, adding that no one was more against Gorman goods than he was. Other members spoke for and against the motion, some thinking it would bo wiser not to interfere at all. The motion was defeated by nine votes to five.