Mr. Forbes—Diplomat

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1076, 13 September 1930, Page 9

Mr. Forbes —Diplomat

PRIME MINISTER IN CANADA Talks Trade Reciprocity “LOOKS AND ACTS LIKE A FIGHTER” TIIE Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Hon. G. '\V. Forbes, is in Canada talking on Empire trade and j reciprocal dealings between the sister Dominions. Mr. Forbes is described as looking and acting like a fighter, and having “all the poise and self-possession of a j European diplomat.”

Vnited P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 10.5 a.m. VANCOUVER, Friday. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. G. W. Foibes, arrived at Victoria, British Columbia, yesterday, on Ills way to England. Commenting upon his arrival, the Vancouver “Sun,” states editorially: “He looks like a fighter, and acts like one, with all the poise and self-pos-session of the European diplomat.” Interviewed on Empire trade, Mr. Forbes said Lord Beave r b r o o k’ s scheme for Empire free trade was regarded in New land as an impossible dream. “We in the Dominion,” he added, "of course believe in closer Empire trade.” In a further in- 1 terview Mr. Forbes stated that when the New Zealand Comptroller of Customs, Dr. ( Craig, reached Ottawa he was authorised to initiate conversations with the Canadian Government, with the object of formulating a new trade agreement which would be furthered at the Imperial Conference. The people of New

Zealand wanted to trade with Canada and Mr. Forbes said he hoped an agreement beneficial to both countries would be reached. A telegram from the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Ft. B. Bennett, was received by Mr. Forbes welcoming him and his party on behalf of the Canadian Government to Canadian soil The need for mutual faith in commerce, particularly between members of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and the uselessness of onesided trade, were emphasised by Mr. Forbes in addressing the Canadian Club today. He reminded his hearers that Canada’s trade to New Zealand had increased from less than £2,400,000 in 1926 to more than £4,600,000 in 1929, while New Zealand’s trade to Canada had increased from £1,200,000 to £3,100,000. “We have great hopes that this increase will continue,” he said. “However, there has been a change in your fiscal policy, which may affect trade between us. We had hoped that by sending you large supplies of butter we might build up that balance which we buy from you. I have high hopes that my discussions with the Prime Minister of Canada will lead us to an agreement which will be mutually beneficial. “We hope to have some exports that we may extend to you.”