NEWFOUNDLAND’S FUTURE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 97, 27 April 1933, Page 11

NEWFOUNDLAND’S FUTURE

STUDY BY COMMISSION HALIFAX (Canada), April 8. A commission appointed jointly by the Governments of the United Kingdom, Canada and Newfoundland no\* is at work in the last-named country making inquiries preparatory to the preparation of a report which may be expected to chart the future course of that Dominion. Appointment of the commission was arranged when Canada and the United Kingdom advanced the Islad Kingdom about £250,000 with which to meet bond interest payments recently. The commission consists of Lord Amulrcc, chairman, and two Canadians, •Sir William Stavert, retired banker t and Air. (_'. A. Magrath, former mem' ber of the Canadian Parliament and former chairman of the Ontario HydroElectric Power Commission. The commission has been given the fullest scope for investigation of Newfoundland’s past difficulties, with a view *<» the solution of her national problems which arc mainly financial ones. Jt is expected that a report will be completed in time for submission to tho Newfoundland Legislature in the early summer. The Commissioners will study the island’s fishing and fur industries, the timber and mineral wealth, tho possibilities of the increasing tourist business and will endeavour to evolve a financial plan permanently to assure its economic stability. Canada has a special interest in the affairs of Newfoundland, her nearest sister-Dominion, which is more than, sentimental. Many countries regard the “Ancient Colony” as essentially a part of Canada, and a default in her obligations might be not without its effect on the credit of this Dominion. On many occasions unofficial suggestions have been made that Newfoundland should become the tenth province of Canada, but neither country ever has committed itself by formal act or opinion.