THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21598, 19 March 1932, Page 14

THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In discussing the question of Imperial preference The Times (London) says: “The question which must be answered can be expressed as follows: Having full regard to Great Britain s economic necessities and to the legitimate industrial ambition of the dominions, what action can Great Britain take to assist Empire trade in the United Kingdom markets and what help can the oversea Empire render to British industry? To answer this question will require considerable preparation, and the representatives of each Dominion must take with them very full details and information so as to be in a position to arrive at practical results. The necessity for developing trade within the Empire has been accepted. The whole Empire is looking forward to the conference. There is no reason, therefore, why that conference should occupy any of its time in discussing the principle. It should be able to get straight on to the business of finding a practical means to carry out an already accepted policy. Great Britain, so far as we can learn, is already preparing proposals, to lay before the dominions, and it is to be hoped that they too are investigating the position, so as to have practical suggestions ready. The occasion is of such vital importance to New Zealand that the Government should see that it is properly represented by men who are really competent to deal with the various problems that will arise. The Government must naturally be represented officially, but it is most essential that there should also be included delegates who have had intimate practical experience in industry, marketing, and production, and who are competent to speak for those interests. A recent Gazette seems to indicate that inquiries have been set on foot by Cabinet. This is a move in the right direction, but we hope that the Government will go further and select the delegation as soon as possible so as to give it time to prepare its case. Those who are selected will have to decide what details and information are required as theirs will be the responsibility for upholding our interests. To delay the selection of our representatives is dangerous. —We are, etc,, N.Z. Welfare League. March 16.