COLONIAL PREMIERS AT HOME

Hastings Standard, Issue 348, 15 June 1897, Page 3

COLONIAL PREMIERS AT HOME

(Per Press Association —Copyright)

London, June 13. -Speaking at the Empire League luncheon Sir George Turner urged that the colonies should supply all food required by Great Britain. "S ictoria could not agree to freetrade with Great Britain and he doubted if Englang would agree to any form of protection. Victoria was, however, prepared to treat the Mother Country preferentially aud was waiting for definite proposals in that direction ; such proposals would not be received in any huckstering spirit. The Hon. C. C. Kingston, dealing with the question of commercial relations between Great Britain and the colonies, said the time had arrived for the enunciation of definite trade proposals, and he hoped MrC'hamberrain would unfold a scheme. He deplored the fact that Australia taxed British products while Britain admitted Australian products free. -June- 14. The colonial Premiers were entertained at a banquet by the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on Saturday evening. The Duke of Devonshire, in proposing the principal toast of the evening, said the colonies had never filled a larger place in the thoughts of the people of England than at the present moment, aud the feeling was growing that they were the citizens of a great Empire. In order to ensure increasing commerce it was necessary to find markets for ourselves. He looked forward to the creation of Australian, African, and West Indian Dominions, perhaps rivalling America in power and prosperity, but retaining the parts of an .undivided Empire of a democratic character in their political institutions. Sir G. Turner, of \ ictoria, said he hoped the colonies wouid follow the example of the Canadian Dominion in federating. He trusted before the year ended to be in a position to welcome a united Australia.

The Times say a the speeches of the colonial Premiers ring with youthful vigour, and the new Canadian tariff and the discussion at the late Australian Federal Convention indicate that the Empire is on the *eve of remarkable developments. Sir Edward Braddon (Premier of Tasmania), accompanied by Lady Braddon, has arrived in London. Mr Wilfred Laurier, accompanied by his wife, has also arrived.