TWO FUNDAMENTALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21646, 17 May 1932, Page 7

TWO FUNDAMENTALS

SUBJECTS FOR OTTAWA

OTTAWA, May 6. Two fundamental questions comprise the agenda of the forthcoming Imperial Conference —inter-imperial trade \ and inter-imperial currency. Under the heading of “ Trade ” will come the whole question of the tariffs and preferences, which should be extended. Under the heading of “ Currency ” consideration will be given to such measures as will make for stabilisation. Delegations or individuals will not be heard, although through the proper channels their views may be laid before the conference in writing. “ Conference will open and close with plenary public sittings, the rest of the time being spent in camera, with the delegates divided into various sections or committees.” There is reason to believe that Britain will expect much from Canada in the way of extended preferences. The Canadian Manufacturers’ Association is making a survey of the field to ascertain particularly those commodities now bought in foreign markets which can be bought from the Mother Country. As the principle of give and take is emphasised as being vital to the success of the conference it is believed that they will take a broader view than that of “ Canada First ” in everything. Amongst Canadian leaders there is increasing doubt regarding the efficacy of the quota system for wheat as applied to shipments from Australia and Canada.

A specific tariff against foreign wheat in the British market, with the dominions’ product entering free, is un questionably what is hoped for, though the obstacles in the W'ay have been in no way minimised. It is estimated that the conference will last from a month to six weeks.