SURPRISING PROGRESS

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18703, 1 August 1932, Page 7

SURPRISING PROGRESS

ACHIEVED AT OTTAWA. DELEGATES TO RELAX. SHORT TRIPS ARRANGED. United Press Assn. —tuec. Tel. copyright, OTTAWA, July 30. Seeing that the Empiro Economic Conference has made such, surprising progress in the first week the delegates have made arrangements for a a three days’ holiday this weekand a three days’ trip next week-end. The only business done to-day was ■at a meeting of the heads of the delegations. They considered whether the illuminating speeches on currency, including Britain’s statement, could be censored for publication. The delegates attended the Earl of Bessborough’s garden party in the afternoon and then packed their bags and left for various holiday resort.> Several have gone Ashing In ‘the lakes and streams of Gatineau, 'Others have gone to country clubs, notably a party of 70 guests at the luxurious log cabin called Lucerne, which is a country club on a millionaire basis midway between Ottawa and Montreal. There are facilities for golf, tennis, riding and swimming. The delegates attended a gala concert given by Canadian artists. The Items Included Alfred Hill’s “ Hoi Song ’’ and Percy Grainger’s folk songs.’ Two special trains Will take the delegates to Niagara on Monday. They Will also attend the ceremonial opening of the Welland Canal on Wednesday. This is part of the great scheme for the extension of the St. Lawrence waterway into the Great Lakes, which the United States and Canada have jointly agreed to undertake' over a period of 10 years. However,, it is -uncertain whether Congress will approve for economic reasons. The delegates will see the world’s largest fresh water steamer, Lemoyne, pass through the new Jocks outward, carrying a record cargo of grain. . The Australian and New Zealand delegates are fully sharing the great pressure of work, but still are finding an occasional respite. Mrs J. G. Coates is a very popular hostess. Mr W. Downie Stewart, who celebrated his 53rd. birthday yesterday, received many presentations and congratulations. He Is actively participating in all the business of the conference and giving a strong lead as chairman of the Customs Committee. SOUTH AFRICA AND CANADA... ARRANGING A TREATY. DUTIES ON COPPER DESIRED. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. OTTAWA, July 30. The Canadian and South African delegates to the Empire Conference are discussing the possibility of a trade treaty similar to those with Australia and New. Zealand. It is reported that Canada, South Africa, and Rhodesia are asking Britain for a prohibitive duty on foreign copper, giving Canada a preference of 2J cents a lb., and Rhodesia £l2 a ton. Canada last month lost the United States’ copper market owing to the uuty of 4 cents a lb. Declining values represented 54.9 per cent., or £24,000,000 of the decrease in Canada’s export trade in the past fiscal year. The volume of her exports decreased only 12.6 per cent. The volume of imports decreased 24.5. If values had been maintained Canada would have had a favourable trade balance of nearly £3,000,000 Illstead of an unfavourable balance of £400,000. .’