TARIFF PREFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1903, 12 October 1906, Page 3

TARIFF PREFERENCE.

PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT

Melbourno, October 11. Mr Kidston, Premier of Qieensland, who is attending the iuter-Siato Conferenco, explains in regard to tho Japanese preference that about 1698, when tho Aurtrulian States wore separate, a treaty was completed between Britain aid Japan, Qif endaod accepted ths troaty, Dut no otbor Australian State did so. Tub treaty was practically ret lined in exialenco up to tho present tirr.o Q leoneland had not for somo yoard bad any negotiation! on tho subjec 1 . Tho present dev lopment came as a surp-ise. The only explanation bo could off « was that Mr Jonee, tbe Queensland Commiskonir ia the Et at bad poisibly unearthed iho specially advautogooua position which Qisooeland stood in, and secured an advantage otor all tie otbor States. Tho only other explanation was that possibly tho Japanese Legislature, in altering tho tariff, had provided for must-favortd nation treatment to Britain and other parties to tbo original treaty. It may havs over-looked tho fact that Queensland was no lorigor nb ; e to carry out her obligations in regard to immigralion, that matter having now pa-issdto tho control of tbe Ocmmoowo.iltb. It is a curious position under tho treaty, which is supposed to be reciprocal, Q raensland obtaining Fpecinl trade advantages over other parti- of Australia, while not in a position to gtvo reciprocal advantages to Japan'.