WELLINGTON NOTES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16448, 30 May 1919, Page 3

WELLINGTON NOTES.

EMPIRE TRADE., SOME POST-AVAR PROBLEMS. BT TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. AVELLINGTON, May 29. Discussing the future of trade, Air. Darkness:, president* of the AVellington Chamber of Commerce, declared to-day that the council had given full consideration to the future bask of trade witli neutral countries, the Allies and enemy countries. “There is a strong consensus of opinion that every effort should he made to cncou ra'ge trade witlmx th 6 Empire. If, with the knowledge and experience gained during the last five years, isomo proposal acceptable to all concerned can ho evolved, it will assist materially in re-establishing the Empire in that foremost-position in commercial enterprise that was occupied in pre-war days. Many cherished convictions have been shattered as the result of the war lessons. Even in . the United Kingdom it is now recognised that it is vital to the nation’s future success that drastic amendments should he effected in many economic arrangements. Tariff reform is the only effective weapon that can deal with the recurrence of Gorman commercial ‘penetration.’ Further, it is acknowledged that some form of preference is desirable between the United Kingdom and the Dominions across the ceas. However, that is a question the Mother Country must decide; the Dominions cannot'and should not dictate terms. Already the principle is acknowledged in our tariff, and this is a practical proof of sincerity.

“Briefly put, the Dominion staride for preferential and reciprocal trading relations, preferential treatment to our Allies and tariff restrictions against enemy countries. It is well to affirm such principles, hut to become effective they need *loya.t and generous adherence from persons and 'firms engaged in commercial transactions. Such a policy honcStly administered will make for the unity of the Empire and consolidate its enormous and valuable resources.”