FREE TRADE POLICY DEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1930, Page 9

FREE TRADE POLICY DEAD

INDUSTRIALIST CHEERED

CONSULTATIONS WELCOME PERIL OF QUACK REMEDIES RESPONSIBILITY OF UNIONS t By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 5.5, p.m. London, Oct. 14. Reference to Imperial business co-op-eration and the “death” of free trail© was made at to-night's Imperial Conference banquet, which with three chairmen, six toasts and eleven speeches was easily the most formidable the Dominion delegates have yet faced. Sir Walter Raine (representing the Chambers of Commerce) presided at the middle table, flanked by tables at which Lord Inchcape (shipping) and Sir James Lithgow (Federation .of British Industries) presided. Sir James said he had gladly noted Mr. Soullin’s suggestion for consultation in business and would be glad to take up the matter with him. His organisation was at Mr. Scullin’s disposal. “Free trade as an industrial policy is dead.” Sir'James was cheered. ‘‘Artificial respiration will be attempted by a faithful minority but free trade must eventually be buried.” Cheers again interrupted the speaker. Many, Sir James added, believed, and all hoped Mr. J. H. Thomas would rise above party and become a statesman, laying the foundation stone for Empire economic unity. That involved food taxes.x Sir James concluded midst renewed’cheering. “Why carry on the humbug and hypocrisy,” Mr. Thomas asked, "of assuming all virtue is in one party or section of the community? Nothing is more dangerous than applying quack remedies during depression. It would be unfair to suggest any Dominion delegate has come to the conference to propagate, his party interests.” Lord. Inchcape said • the trade recovery in Britain and Australia rested largely with the trade union leaders. If they could make the unionists realise it was impossible to get a quart from a pint pot except by filling it (/wire, unemployment would soon be reduced. After urging that the JJmpire should protect itself from lower standards than other parts of the world, Mr. Scullin said the conference table was not a bargain counter. Australia had offered to consult British industrialists about new preferences. He ■ would welcome an opportunity of dividing between British and Australian manufacturers the £45,000,000 worth of manufactures 1 that were imported from foreigners. Australia gave Britain a preference of 90 per cent, and was prepared to look over the other ten if they put their , heads together. Sir Richard Squires divided the world into two classes —IMters and leaners. Newfoundland wanted to help to lift the Empire. ’ Mr. Bennett said he preferred not to discuss conference questions lest an idle word dropped, might arouse resentment among some just as concerned, with the interests of Empire as he himself. Britain had not taken full advantage of th® preferences. There were 700 branches of United ..State's, industries in Canada and 70 "iri Britain. Mr. Forbes described Sir James Lithgow’s speech as “containing much good 'Scottish sense.” "Mr. Thomas has''no need to remind us that each Dominion Prime Minister must consider first The interests for his own people. We want in our own interests to see Britain prosperous, for unless Britain is, the yDbminions will suffer.*'

A few more speeches carried on the banquet well towards midnight.