IGNORANT OF EMPIRE GEOGRAPHY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19959, 17 November 1934, Page 22

IGNORANT OF EMPIRE GEOGRAPHY

SIR JAMES PARK’S STRONG CRITICISM United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright LONDON, November 15. “Britain is grossly and unpardonably ignorant of the Empire. I suggest that the Education Department should consider ordering schools to devote two hours weekly to the Empire’s geography,’’ said Sir James Parr, opening the New Zealand Exhibition nt St. Paul’s Churchyard. Sir James emphasised that the Dominions and Colonies were absorbing nearly half of Britain’s manufactures, but a greater development of trade was possible. The argument for Argentine trade was that there were British investments there, but Australia and New Zealand were more greatly in the debt of Britain. Despite many producers' insolvency, the Dominions always met their obligations. The Dominions should be consulted before Anglo-foreign treaties are revised. It was unthinkable to ask young, undeveloped countries to check their progress by restricting exports, although temporary periodic regulations might be necessary. He added that it appeared likely that the meat negotiations would lead to a long term solution. satisfactory to the Dominions. The Exhibition occupies a shop with six display windows which feature types of produce. Those present included Mr David Jones (chairman of the New Zealand Meat Board), many Members of the House of Commons, and Mr H. Pilbrow,’ chairman of directors of “The British Trade Review.’’