PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2080, 15 May 1907, Page 3

PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

Press Association—Copyright. t Received May 14, 10.20 p.m. % LONDON, May 14. xl Mr. Gladstone presided at the Lib- - 'oral, Colonial, and Palmerston Clubs’ v, joint dinner at New College, Oxford, in honor of the colonial PAsmiers|. *. Mr. Deakin, in responding to the f . toast, “Oversea Dominions,” said A th e people of the Motherland would s recognise that the colonies in bringing forward proposals of preference • did so because they believed they would be of mutual advantage, and only ventured to recommend them as far as they might be of mutual advantage. Whether they were or not ll was for the people of the Motherland to decide. . Whether they deputed behind a closed door, or behind a slammed door, their fight to close it, was unchallenged and unchallengeable. Preference had been 1 offered and declined; and if that door was closed, however softly, was there no other whereby they could f 'attempt to attain some of their ends? - - v Mr. Deakin continued: Jiy nn-- ' 'T proved means of communication, reduced duos in the Suez Canal, and - other practical ideas we seek, as you seek, to draw closer. We have received encouraging and evidently sin—ebre hopes for the future, but no single definite proposal has yet come be : fore us. Unity is our chief desire, 8»d we employ any and every means iii our power. (Cheers.) I in nowise >' undervalue what the Conference has achieved. I believe it lias achieved more than appears. Let us hope, it will be dealt with in a business way.” ' ]Vf r . Whitlaw Reid gave a dinner to the Premiers and other colonials, including the Lynes and the Wards.