The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1923. IMPERIAL PREFERENCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 89, 20 August 1923, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1923. IMPERIAL PREFERENCE.

One of the greatest an<i moat difficult problems the British Government is faced with at this time is that of Imperial Preference. After a notable discussion on the question at a Conference hold before the War It was declared that Britain had barred and bolted the door against fdod duties. But owing to the great changes that have since .come about it may be necessary to i adopt other view on mattery

if Imperial unity is to tie preserved, and we may hope that the coming Conference in London, at Mr Massey will be present, will make the way easier. It is exceedingly difficult to combat the Freetrade sentiment of Britain, and any really effective measure of preference which may be proposed in the whole Empire's ibest interests, will be strongly opposed by those who so firmly adhere to this sentiment. Discussing this question on broad lines the Christchurch Press says: —"We should all be very glad if Britain would impose a tariff on such foreign goods as compete in her market with, goods produced in this country, but this advantage would be dearly bought if the price were the arousing of discontent amongst the population of Britain. Mr Massey may le relied upon to protect the interests of New Zealand, but we shall be surprised if he adopts any tone of demand, for he is conscious of the magnitude of our obligations to the Motherland."