The Herald. Alexandra, Thursday, Oct. 15, 1903 PREFERENCE OF TRADE TO THE COLONIES.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 388, 15 October 1903, Page 4

The Herald. Alexandra, Thursday, Oct. 15, 1903 PREFERENCE OF TRADE TO THE COLONIES.

At the present time the eyes of the whole ciyilised world are concentrated on the policy of Great Britain, and the actions of her leading statesmen, The trend of political thought in the Homeland appears to us to be in favour of a closer relationship with the Colonies; and, w© assume that this desirable end will eventuate by giyjng thp Colonies preference in trade, preference in trade means a great deal to the Colonies, but it means considerably more to the Motherland. The question resolves itself into a discussion as to whether or not we should set aside what has b9en the commercial maxim of Great Britain for, at any rate, the past 60 years—fs. " Buy in the cheapest market and sell in the dearest." Indeed, this maxim may be accepted as being the Jaw of the commercial I policy throughout the Empire, Now, ibis law, it ig assumed by eminent statesmen, is effete: and the inexorable march of - progress indicates that an imperative change is needed to hold I the bonds of Empire together. Hence, at the present time, the minds of great ! thinkers on econqmic subjects, are veering round towards protective measures ; and the ssme minds are beginning to wonder whether or not it is expedient to purchase from foreign nations foodstuffs and other commodities that pan be supplied by. the Colonies in spfjicient quantities. Mr Chamber lain, in his great speech to the people of Glasgow, emphasised the urgency for fiscal reform, and he also pointed out that the cohesion of

relationship with the Colonies. He, therefore, proposes to tax foodstuffs drawn from foreign sources, and, thus, assist in building up Colonial prosperity, and cementing, in closer union, £ the (Juionies to the Motherland. Regarding the action that the Colonies may take, should the fiscal reforms proposed by Mr Chamberlain be consummated, must be left to the future to decide ; but, we may take it for granted, that the Colonies will unquestionably protect their own in* dustries and work cut their own destinies, and, further, that in doing so much they will not lay themselves open to being charged with anything approaching disloyalty. Clearly, Mr Chamberlain has but one object in view— to obviate the disintergretation of the Empire-and, far-seeing statesman as he is, his pergonal ambition fades before his love of country and the glory of the British race. For this, history will honour him, and place him among the foremost commoners of the Empire.