EMPIRE FRUIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 177, 29 July 1932, Page 7

EMPIRE FRUIT

DOMINIONS IN AGREEMENT OUTLOOK VERY ENCOURAGING. (Fy Telegraph—Pres? Association—Copyright! OTTAWA, July 27. The fruit problem has been practically solved. The representatives of the fruit industry in all of the Dominions met this morning with the leaders of the delegations, and an agreement was reached in 90 minutes. The case, which is based on the same principles as the butter and meat cases, namely, preference plus a quota, is now ready for immediate presentation to the British delegates. Everybody connected with the industry is extremely pleased with the result. This rapid progress on the questions of butter, meat and fruit indicates the incalculable advantage of having industry experts on the spot, facilitating thoroughly business-like discussions, inasmuch as all are intimately acquainted with the subjects. The political leaders are taking a minor part in this stage of the proceedings-as far as commodities are concerned. Thus there is every indication, unless a hitch unexpectedly arises, that the Conference will successfully conclude earlier than the most optimistic predicted. Probably every item in the lengthy agenda will be adjusted to permit the British delegates to embark at Quebec on August 20 on the Empress of Britain, on which they have pencilled berths. The Hon. J. G. Coates enjoyed a flight over Ottawa this morning with a war-time comrade, J. A. Rogers, a resident of Toronto, piloting his own ’plane. It was the first occasion Mr. Coates had snatched a couple of hours of leisure since the Conference opened. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart and he have been working until 2 a.m. every morning. Unemployment Problem. Mr. Coates will bring up at the Conference the question of unemployment with a view to establishing a committee of experts to investigate the relief systems operating throughout the Empire, and collecting any information likely to be of value. Although no official committees met to-day, nevertheless, there was great Conference activity. Further meetings were held of the inter-Dominion industry sub-committees, notably fruit.