PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2083, 18 May 1907, Page 2

PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

Press Association —Copyright. THE CONFERENCE’S WORK 1 _

LONDON, May 16. A crowded meeting of city men, hel dnt the Baltic Mercantile and Shipping Exchange, gave Dr. Jamoson and Mr. Doakin a tremendous reception. ~ . ....... J)r. Jameson said he was disappointed that the Conference had not made a decisive step forward-m the direction of consolidation ot the iinipiro. Whatever had been achieved was mainly duo. to Mr. -Dealt in s energy, pluck, and elotpicnce. The substituting of tbe word “Imperial instead of “Colonial” Conference meant the emancipation of the Conference from tbe aegis of the Colonial Oflice. tt meant that future Conferences would be as between the Governments. He regretted that effective machinery for consolidation of the Empire had not been obtained, owing to the secretariat, after tbe hardest fight at tbe Conference, remaining a department of 'the Colonial Office. He was convinced the present, arrangements would prove such a failure that the Premiers would obtain efficient machinery at the next Conference. Dr. Jameson argued that sentimental and material links were required to cement the Empire. He complained that the Government had not attempted jto answer the Premiers’ case for preference, but had only knocked down bogeys of their own erection. He believed the Government were afraid to make even a little experiment in the direction of reciprocal trade, because it would prove a sucC °Mr. Deakin emphatically denied that the Premiers in the slightest degree attempted to embarrass the Government from pa rty or political motives. No reciprocity was possible unless preference was mutual. Australia was prepared to build her half of the bridge to the centre arch,-, where it must await the-Motherland’s ajiproach before the 'keystone was droxiped which completed the structureJXMr Deakin declared that many of the arguments advanced to prevent tariff reform were absolutely contrary to Australian experience. Ho ridiculed the importance attached to the phrase “immutable laws” in connection with freetrade, Imaginary laws would be truer. He dwelt on the small success that sixty years’ advocacy of freetrade had had upon the world, and declared that far-siglited foreigners already foresaw the advent of preference throughout the British Empire, and were taking measures to secure the best markets to be found in British colonies'. If the prospect of preference did that, what would not 100 per cent, duty accomplish? Australians were freetraders to the extent of one-third of their, imports, and adopted freetrade or protection according as it paid best. Mr. Deakin argued that commerce needed fostering. It was impossible to apply the principle of co-operation better than in developing the resources of one’s own nation. Many argued that the Empire’s strength rested on ships, colonies, and commerce, but-without commerce there would he neither

ships nor colonies. The Empire was not. only a great armed force, a civilising agency, a school of culture, hut a gigantic business enterprise, which ought to he directed on business principles. The Government’s principal arm ought to be to fortify and sustain commerce. If their ancestors fought to establish it, surely it was worth our while to protect it. The Premiers wished to see the whole machinery of commerce as well as nublic life applied to securing unity of the Empire. Although the Conference had failed to accomplish much directly, yet the indirect results renaid the sacrifice the delegates had made in attending. When other nations found that commercial unity was so enormously valuable as a means of developing national life why should Britain throw, aside so potent an instrument? The colonies’ hands were still outstretched, because they, - ■ recognised the present polite refusal of preference was only temporary. Since the Empire’s whole force was employed to protect trade in wartime, surely it was justifiable to expect this country and the Empire to orotect trade -in peace time. Concluding, Mr. Deakin said: “The colonies believe in you, even if you have ceased ,to believe in yourselves. We believe that within this nation lies a force, capable of rousing you to greater and more lofty heights than ever, enabling you to retain the proud position your forefathers placed you in.” 'Prolonged cheers, the audience singing “For They are Jolly Good Fellows.”.) Sir W .Lyne, interviewed, said he considers the British* Government adcpted a callous attitude towards preference. He hopes the discussion will make British people seriously consider the question. He is doubtful of good results from a secretariat worked by the Colonial Office. Until the Australian coast fleet is a reality, it .would be better for .the Admiralty to maintain the existing squadron in Australian waters. He regretted the Conference did not consider what Pacific Islands ought to be: included in the jurisdiction of Australian coastal trade.

Sir AA T . Lyue addressed a crowded meeting of the London Chamber of Commerce. . He promised a hearty welcome to all visiting Australia in 1909. He complained of Mr Asquith’s reassuring fiction that the Premiers demanded preference in raw materials required for British manufactures. Sir W. Lyne insisted that Britain’s trade with Australia was not increasing with the same rapidity as that of foreigners. He dwelt on the unparalleled prosperity of Australia, and vas enthusiastically applauded.

SIR AV. LYNE’S VIEWS. Received May 17, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, May 17. Sir AA 7 m. Lyne addressed a meeting at the Australasian Chamber of Commerce. He said lie regretted to find in London those who owed all to Australia not standing forth to help Australia. The Premiers’ Conference represented over fifteen million whites who wished to give preference. At the Conference the British Government’s action had been negative ".nm the start, with a view negative to everything Australia wanted. It was not entirely offensive, but a sitstill sort of we-won’t-do-it attitude. Tile officials gave a very good precis when Ministers spoke, but a very had one when others spoke. He hoped a Blue Book would soon be published to show the public the efforts made by the Premiers to get the Government' to do something. They were _ mof with an almost offensive negative by two members of the Conference, firstly by Mr. Asquith, who had a case and worried it like a brief in Court,, and secondly by Air. Churchill, who was against.; the colonies all the time. As far as preference was concerned, there was one man who had helped much both at tho Imperial and the Shipping Conference. That was Air. Lloyd George, who helped to take off the rough edge o fhis colleagues’ refusal. The Conference lias aeen a ventilation if nothing more. He hoped things would bo different before next meeting. If the present Government did net alter them attitude they would be beaten.