PREFERENTIAL TARIFF.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 942, 15 July 1903, Page 2

PREFERENTIAL TARIFF.

(Auckland Herald.)

As far as New Zealand is concerned, the immediate outcome of the movement can hardly be in doubt. A preferential tariff will become one of onr tentative institu- i tions and remain so until all prospect of its being carried in the Mother Country ia lost. What we can do in the matter, and what we ought to do, is to give its initiation the proper trend by pulling down the . Customs duties set against our fellow citizens of the Old County and reciprocating colonies and leaving the tariff, as far as possible, as it stands against all others. The question is to be dealt,, with by our sitting Parliament, and is therefore ■ one of pressing importance. Whatever may be thought of the possible effects upon the United Kingdom of departure from a fiscal-policy of which it is the sole living national champion, this local phase of the subject should find all advocates of less restricted trade united and organised. For even if a certain policy is thought to be mistaken, it is surely wisest, when ita adoption cannot be prevented, to minimise the mistake and to endeavor to secure whatever good is possible. In , Canada, the present form of preference was carried through by the old free-trade party under the silver-tongued Laurier. It was carried against a preference policy of higher tariff upon foreign imports advocated by the old protectionist party, so long dominant in the Dominion. We may learn from Canada to make the most of our political opportunities, and'we sincerely trust that her example will not be thrown away. -