IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 485, 26 July 1902, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

SPLENDID lIESI'LTS ANTICI- 1 DATED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright | London, July 23. | The Imperial Conference will probably j close nest week. There is no probability of any attempt being made to alter the political relations of the colonies and Empire. It is considered unnecessary and inopportune. It is probable that a non-committal resolution will be adopted, favoring a general concession by way of preferential treatment lor British goods to such an extent and way as individual Colonial Parliaments tuny determine. No one has suggested that Great Britain should alter the existing tlseal system. It is believed that Australasia is not unwilling to contribute about .£220,000 towards a stronger modern auxiliary squadron, without undertaking additional direct military responsibilities, though improving Federal land defences. Triennial Imperial Conferences wore favored, provided parliamentary situations permit. Mr Chamberlain’s tactful guidance of the Conference was much admired.

Sir Edmund Barton’s position is that while any arrangement respecting preferential treatment remains dependent on the decision of half a dozen autonomies, the essence of such an arrangement is that each party should determine the nature and extent of its preferential treatment. Mr Chamberlain hinted that if the Premiers concurred Great Britain would be ablo to reciprocate by means of increased mail and cable subsidies ; increased facilities for the shipping industry, including a remission of harbor dues; wider facilities for dockings, repairing, coaling, and in other ways, without placing direct disabilities upon foreign trade. Such increased trading facilities would bo applicable as between groups of colonies as well as the ColoI nies and Motherland. There is an impression that Canada is willing to extend more advantageous preferential relations in return for liberal mail subsidies to the Atlantic an 1 Pacific steamers.