MR FORBES IN CANADA

Southland Times, Issue 21194, 22 September 1930, Page 7

MR FORBES IN CANADA

INTERVIEWED ON BUTTER QUESTION INCREASED DUTY CAUSES SURPRISE. (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) New York, September 19. The Australian Press Association interviewed Mr Forbes, and asked him for a review of the results of his Canadian trip. “Naturally,” he said, “the wind was taken out of our sails when on arriving in Canada we learnt of the large increases in the butter duty. We had planned to discuss with the Canadian Government trade matters of mutual interest, and had a plan in mind for increasing trade between the two dominions. The increases in the butter duty were an unexpected factor. Our discussions with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Trade in Ottawa could only be brief. The Government was busy with its tariff measures and the business of the House. It was therefore decided to continue our discussions in London.” Mr Forbes seemed personally optimistic, and declared that a solution would undoubtedly be reached before the Imperial Conference adjourned. He said he realized that the Canadian-New Zealand situation was only one aspect of the entire Empire trade problem, which he was confident would be considerably advanced towards solution by the Imperial Conference. He said there was realization in Canada that there were instruments of redress available against any attempt to make the trade relationship between the two dominions too one-sided.

“The Prime Minister informed us,” Mr Forbes continued, “that the increases in the butter duty were necessary for the encouragement and protection of the Canadian dairy farmers. I felt that he understood, however, that the balance of trade had considerably favoured Canada, and that it was impossible that an equitable interchange of commodities could long continue when the balance of trade favoured one party to the serious disadvanaage of the other.” Asked concerning the film tax, Mr Forbes said that the film interests here had made no engagements to discuss the matter with him. He hoped that, if his London arrangements permitted, he would return to New Zealand via the United States, and Would visit Washington. SETBACK TO NEW ZEALAND FARMERS. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Nev/ York. September 20. “The increase in the butter duty announced by Canada will cause some hard feelings among dairy farmers of New Zealand, and possibly some hardship,” the Hon. G. W. Forbes said on his arrival here from Ottawa before sailing for London by the Majestic on Friday night.