IMPERIAL PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2741, 8 April 1916, Page 5

IMPERIAL PROBLEMS

FISCAL QUESTIONS AFTER

THE WAR

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

(Rec. April 7, 8.40 p.m.)

London, April 7. 1

Sir Thomas Mackenzie (High Commissioner for New Zealand), Sir George Pexley (Canadian Minister without portfolio), and Mr. W. P. Schreiner (High Commissioner for South Africa) were entertained at luncheon at the National Liberal Club. In proposing the toast of "Our Guests," the Marquis of Crewe said that the lessons and experiences of the war tended to make appeals for Empire co-operation • more active and intelligent. They. were n6t afraid to iconfer on the possibilities of a fiscal union between different parts of the Empire. They had a sharply divided public opinion, in this country, hut the most ardent evangelist of the' new fiscal system of a Union' of Empire would admit that that could only be reached by surmounting great difficulties affecting not only the domestic relations of the different parts ot the Empire, but also the exterior (relations of Empire and other countries. No one could deny that their relations with the colonies should not be studied and re-examined as a consequence of the convulsion -which had affeoted. all the relations of the whole world. The time might not be distant.. when.: a closer political union : between''' ourjselves and other parts of the Empire might be brought about. Sir Thomas Mackenzie said that the Dominions were prepared proportionately to bear_ the burdens of the Imperial responsibility. It was only right and proper that they should have a proportionate share in State affairs. | ' : '■