SPEECH BY MR ARNOLD FOSTER.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 973, 20 August 1903, Page 2

SPEECH BY MR ARNOLD FOSTER.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.30 p.m., Aug. 19. London, Aug. 19.

Mr Arnold Foster, addressing his constituents, declared that after studying tho question intently at homo for weeks he did not hesitate to say that thero was need for a very great alteration in tho present fiscal system. Steps should bo taken to insist upon other countries giving the same system regarding tho taxation of manufactured goods as we gave them ; otherwise we should take steps to make them regret it. He considered free trade was an interchange of commodities at their natural value, but actually there was no such thing. America’s duty on handkerchiefs represented 50 per cent, of their value, and napkins and wearing apparel 60 por cent. How could British exporters make a profit under such conditions ? The value of machinery exports during five years had decreased by five and ahalf millions. Nations representing 420 million people had shut that trade against us by protective tariffs. Tha colonies wore becoming by far tha most important places whereto wo exported.

CONGRESS AT MONTREAL. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Reoeiyod 10.5 p.m., August 19. Ottawa, Aug 19.

The Congress of Representatives of Chambers of Commerce of tho Empire at Montreal ha 3 recommended suitable emigration to tbo colonies in order to render tho Motherland increasingly independent of foreign countries for food supplies; reorganisation of the consular service in the interests of trndo maintenance ; exten-, . Bion of the Empire’s commercial treaty rights ; reduction of poßtal rates on newspapers and periodicals with the view of freer intorchaugo with the colonies. A committee appointed to consolidate the resolutions concerning the commercial relations between Britain and the colonies presented resolutions recommending a v policy based on tho principle of mutual benefit whereby each component part receives a substantial advantage in trade as the result of national relationship, duo consideration being given to tho fiscal ueeds of each ; also urging tho Government to appoint a commission of representatives of Britain, tho colonies, and India to consider tho possibility of so increasing and strengthening the trade relations of tho different parts of the Empire and trading facilities within the Empire and with foreign countries.