ONE ECONOMIC UNIT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19834, 25 June 1934, Page 13

ONE ECONOMIC UNIT

IDEAL FOR THE EMPIRE “The British Empire should be one economic unit,” said Sir George Mason Allard, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. “There must be more than an economic union,” continued Sir George. “It seems vital to-day for the Empire to be solidly united for the purposes of defence. In this way we should achieve the same solidity as the United States of America. Then as an Empire we should be in a strong position to negotiate with the other countries of the world. Perhaps the best of ideals are sometimes difficult to attain, but in these days, it is very necessary to work for them.” “We have in Australia a very similar problem to your own in the matter of the difference of opinion on the subpect of tariffs between the manufacturing interests and the primary producers. We therefore have the Country Party advocating the removal of tariff barriers, and the others demanding high tariff walls to protect their j secondary industries. The Labour | Party naturally favours any measure j that makes for increased wages,” . Sir George has held a number of important offices in Australia. He has been lecturer in banking at the University of Sydney, and was for several years Public Service Royal Commissioner. During the war he was chairman of the citizens’ committee of the Red Triangle Fund, and honorary treasurer of the Citizens’ War Chest Fund. He was knighted in 1926. As a member of the famous London Scottish Regiment, he took part in the jubilee procession of Queen Victoria, and later was in the guard of honour when the Duke of Cambridge opened the regimental headquarters in London, In recognition of his services with the regiment, he was made a life member during his last visit to England.