PAN-PACIFIC COMMERCIAL CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3584, 21 November 1922, Page 63

PAN-PACIFIC COMMERCIAL CONFERENCE.

OPENING AT HONOLULU By W. F. Kennedy. “The Mediterranean era died with the discovery of America, the Atlantic era has reached the height of its development. The Pacific era destined to he the greatest is just at the dawn.” —Theodore Roosevelt-. r J ho Pacific Ocean, its shores, its islands, and the vast region beyond will become the chief theatre of human activities and events in the world s great hereafter. —William H. Seward. Alexander Hume Ford, the founder and director of the Pan-Pacific Union, should be a happy man. He is in the position ol a man who lias dreamed dreams and beheld visions, and lived to see them realised. In founding the union Mr Ford had in view the splendid idea of bringing tlie people ot the countries of the Pacific together, so that they might get to know each other better and in friendly* intercourse unite to solve the many and varied problems which face them. In this way alone, he. foresaw, could be found a peaceful settlement of the thorny questions which have arisen and will dbntinue to arise in the development of the countries concerned. It is to be regretted that the New Zealand Government is not officially represented &t tlie present conference, but in the absence of such representation t.he writer is attending the conference as delegate representing the Oku go Expansion League and city of Dunedin. It certainly is a privilege and a pleasure to be taking part in such a gathering, the beauty and magic atmosphere of Honolulu (the conference city), the hospitality of the people, the distinguished delegates from the different countries, the picturesque setting of the whole affair, make it a get-together meeting ot an except-ionlly interesting and inspiring nature. The conference proper did not open until October 25, but as a good many, of the delegates arrived earlier, Mr lord gave a preliminary dinner on the 17th. and a luncheon two days later. These were of an informal character, but enabled those present to be come acquainted, learn to pronounce one another’s names, and hear each speak in his own tongue. The director has a special gift in his ability of making everyone feel at home and in creating an atmosphere of good-fellowship in a wonderfully short time. And when men meet in that spirit it becomes easier to find a way out of their difficulties. Of course the present conference has no official recognition and it' resolutions will in no way be binding except to tho members of the l’an-Pscflk Union. At tlie same time some cj‘ .tv conclusions may be adopted and help t.r shape legislation by the various governments interested. The most distinguished speakers at the lunch 1 have referred to were Judge Dole

Governor Farrington, and Robert Newton Lynch, vice-president and manager of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Tlie old judge, who was the first president of the Hawaiian Republic, said that what they needed in Europe was a Pan-Pacific Union. or rather a Pan-European Union, for they would have to fight and struggle to the limit unless they meanwhile found the solvent of all human problems and relations, and that solvent was the solvent of goodwill. Governor Farrington considered the commercial conference the greatest of the conferonees so far held in Honolulu. Hawaii had no axe to grind in inviting the delegates to the congress beyond that of endeavouring to establish friendly relations and bring the peoples together in friendship. Mr Lynch, who is one of the prominent men present that are really worth while knowing, struck a high note in his remarks. “Civilisation has come almost to the brink of ruin,” he said, “unless we can hasten the getting together of the nations and preserve our very life. Ihe great war was brought about not entirely by one nation, with the other nations ‘more holy than thou,’ but because all nations had apparently wanted expansion ‘at' any price,’ and the merchants wanted profits ‘at any price !’ That has brought disintegration of our nations, almost our life.” This was a pretty high ethical note for a business conference to start on Mr E. O. M’Cormick, vice-president of the Southern Pacific Railway, is another very fine man, full of humour and of the milk of human kindness —the very opposite to what you would expect an American railway magnate to be. It is surprises of this kind which make these meetings so wonderfully interesting. Mr M‘Oarmiok has been appointed chairman of the conference. The most important papers read up to date are “significant Pan-Pacific commercial problems of my country” (one speaker from each country). “Survey of existing cable and wireless facilities, with suggestions for meeting present deficiencies,” establishment of lower special rates, fixing responsibility and granting general improved facilities for the press,” “an analysis of present trade routes and the development of possible new routes,’ and “desirability of free zones or free ports in Pacific lands.” I contributed a brief paper on behalf of New Zealand, the conclusion of which the local morning journal did me the honour to print in full immediately under the Governor’s S|ieech. The chief social functions so far have been the opening dinner given by the PanPacific Union and the dinner by the members of the Japanese community. The latter was held at the Japanese Club. The tables were laid in the open air. the cocoanut. |ialms waved overhead, and above was the star studded Hawaiian skv. The Japanese lanterns, and many coloured Jlectric lights, made it all like a little bit of fairyland. On Saturday the delegates go to the volcano of Kilanea. which is situated on the island of Hawaii, a day’s sail from Honolulu. Idle re a brief session will be held and an address listened to from Dr Jagger on the subject of “Volcanic Power for Commercial Purposes.”