AUSTRALIA CURBED.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1902, 11 October 1906, Page 2

AUSTRALIA CURBED.

BRITISH TREATIES INTERPOSE.

PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT Received 1.5 a.m„ Oct. 11. Melbourne, Oct, 10

The House of Representatives was proceeding to consider the Seuate’s proposal to add a provision forbidding preference, excepting to goods carried by British ships manned by white crews, should como into operation until August 31st next, when Mr Deakin announced a sensational development. He had received a oablo that the British Board of Trade had discovered that the proposed discrimination as regards British ships was, forbidden under a number of treaties, some being binding on Australia, and these provided that the ships of one nation should not reoeive preference over those of another. There was no reoord of such treaties in the Customs Department, They were all drawn in general terms to be determined by the Foreign Office. Circumstanoes had not arisen to oauee them to be communicated to Australia. Suoh treaties had been aoeepted before federation. Under the oiroum stanoes he was not able to ask the House to make the alteration suggested by the Senate. The matter could be dealt with at the forthcoming Imperial Conference. In the meantime there was no alternative but to remove the whole proposal. He then moyed that the provision giving preference to British ships be omitted. This was carried. The Bill now reads simply that preference shall be on dutiable goods, produce or manufacture, of the United Kingdom.