BRITISH POLITICS

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1003, 23 September 1903, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS

CONSULTATIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Sept. 21. . Many Ministers are going backward and forward to the King at Balmoral. The Spectator directs attention to the late Tom Hughes’ proposal" that every portion of the Empire should be free to propose whatever tariff is needful for revenue, with an agreed discount, say, of 10 per cent on all goods manufactured or produced within tho Empire. Lord Balfour of Burleigh aud Mr Elliot are Cobdonito seceders.

MB CHAMBERLAIN’S INTENTIONS

PROBABLY VISIT SOUTH AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA.

By Telegraph. Press Association. Copyright Received 10.55 p.m., Sept. 22 London, Sopt. 22. The St. James’ Gazette authoritatively declares that Mr Chamberlain discountenances the formation of a party hostile to Mr Balfour, though ho is proparod to seok a mandate in regard to preferential tariff, believing that there will bo a serious decline in Colonial trade. Ho considers it impossible to submit a cut and dried 6chomo without negotiating with the Colonies and foreign countries. They would probably place 2s duty on corn, 5 per cent, on meat, dairy produce, and partly manufactured goods, aud au average of 10 per cent, on wholly manufactured goods. This would suffice for the taxos on toa and sugar to be taken off. The colonies had already announced that they are willing to meet Britain if afforded a small preterenco. Germauy, France, and other protectionist countries had already assured Great Britain that they wore ready to negotiate if duties were imposed. It is more than probablo that Mr Chamberlain will visit Canada, Australia, and South Africa. If tho country sanctions the scheme it is hinted that preference will be conceded to Australian meats and wines.