IMPERIAL LAWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2077, 11 May 1907, Page 1

IMPERIAL LAWS.

Press Association. —Copyright. LONDON, May 9. At tho Imperial Conference Mr. Deakiu read a resolution to the effect that the Conference recommends that in order to provirdo funds V-r developing trade and commerce, moans of communication and transport within the Empiro, a duty of one per cent on nil foreign imports shall

ho levied or an equivalent contribution bo made by each of its legislatures, after consultation between their representatives in conference. The common fund shall be devoted to co-operative projects approved by the Legislatures affected, with tho general purpose of fostering the industrial forces of the Empire, and so to promote the growth of unity. Mr. Deakin explained that the revolution was intended to absolutely safeguard the rights of self-government. Mr. Lloyd George at first hotly

ittackcd tho schemo, under the "m----u-ossion it was a device for providing

a large fund for assisting colonial projects. 'When Mr. Deakin explained, Mr. George appeared to regard the proposal as equitable and allowed its submission. Mr. Deakin moved a reaffirmation of tho resolution adopted on Mr. Seddon’s motion at tho 1902 Conference, relative to tho desirability of taking steps to promoto Imperial trade in British ships, also the desirability of refusing privileges to coastwise trade to non-rcciprocat-

ng foreign countries. Mr. Deakin

instanccd the injurious effect of the Russian and American extended coastwise regulations. He thought it desirable to ascertain the legal pod 'ion as to what were practical advantages or disadvantages, and taking action in regard to coastwise trad.,. Mr. George considered tho reselli-

tion unnecessary, and attaonoel the decision of tho Navigation Conference seme as far as they affected llnt’sh shripping. Ho complained iliac tie great liners would be subjectkl to heavy losses owing to structur'd alter: tions and wages if forced to eonform to the standards enforced bv the Australian coastal trade. Neither Norway nor Germany excluded us from her coastal or inter-imperial trade, yet they suplied the bulk of foreign shipping engaged in our interimperial trade. The only vessels excluded would be Russian and United States, whose trade was so small that the proposal would confer little practical benefit. If the principal were extended there would be danger of reprisals on our shipping, which was half that of the world. Foreign ships if excluded, woidd compete more keenly in the foreign trade still open to them, which largely exceeds tire colonial trade. So far as the United Kingdom was concerned, the interests of British shipping were not prejudiced by tho very small amount of foreign shipping entering our coasting trade. Mr. Deakin replied that the proposals were those of the Commission, not the Governments, whose policy was still undecided. He also said the conditions objected to intended to raise tbc standard in conformity with Australian opinion. Sir Wilfrid Laurier bitterly com-

plaine dthat the colonies with Pacific Ocean interests were adversely affected in a very direct and serious manner. The United States had extended her coastill gtrado to embrace trade with Honolulu and tho Philippines. Though Canada offered to reciprocate in connection with the coasting trade, the United States refused.

Sir Joseph Ward strongly complained of Honolulu being regarded as an American coastal, port.. It created an extraordinary position, very injurious to New Zealand trade. Ho urged Britain to adopt a system similar to America regarding the extension of coastwise trade unless reciprocity was granted. Mr. Lloyd George refused to entertain the idea of retaliation.

Ultimately the resolution of 1902 was reaffirmed unanimously, except that Britain dissented when the colonies declined to limit inquiry into

the position of inter-colonial trade. Mr. Lloyd George said that Australian conditions would even apply where ocean liners picked up two passengers at an Australian port for conveyance to another port. Such provisions would do much to hamper the carrying trade to Australia. He thought Australia ought to give the Motherland equality of treatment before discussing preference, Mr. Deakin’s resolution might seem advantageous, but if examined woidd be found to involve great difficulties. Its object was either to include foreign ships in our coasting or inter-Imper-ial trade, or to put pressure on foreign Governments to admit British ships to corresponding trade in their dominions. Mr. George thought the restriction of traders and choice of transport facilities would probably raise the cost of carriage thus proving a disability, also a position of advantage would be given to foreign trade between the Empire and foreign countries as compared with trade wtihin various portions of the Empire, if goods can. only travel direct within the Empire in British ships, while goods from foreign countries have a choice of either British or foreign ships.