Imperial Conference.

Manawatu Herald, 22 July 1902, Page 2

Imperial Conference.

Mr Chamberlain presided ( at the resumed sitting of the Imperial Confer- 1 Onslow (Parliamentary Secretary to the Colonial Office), Sir Montagu F. Ommanney (Permanent: Undersecretary to the Colonial Office), Mr Gerald Balfour (President of the Board of Trade), Sir Francis Hopwood (Permanent Secretary to the . Board of Trade), Sir Alfred Bateman and Sir Robert Giflen attended. Commercial trade relations, especially the fiscal question and the prospects of preferential tariffs between the colonies and themselves, wyre debated, the discussion of this subject occupying the whole silting. ■ Mr Seddon moved his preferential trade resolution. Sic Edmund Barton submitted a resolution stating in general terms that it was desirable to establish closer trade relations between the colonies and the Motherland. He indicated his sympathy with preferential relations, with* out pledging Australia to give such a concession in the immediate future. Sir Edmund implied that such arrangement must be’ left to the initiative of each Government and Legislature, which must work out its own destiny. The discussion proceeded* amicablyi Mr Chamberlain modified his previous attitude, and, in a non-committal statement, said the Government recog-.> nised the difficulties, and desired to . proceed cautiously. He also said that it was impossible for one Government to bind its successors with regard to fiscal policy. Mr Chamberlain’s remarks suggested a willingness to meet the colonial concessions by liberal subsidies or bounties tor objects of common interest. The formation of definite proposala.on - the question has been reserved. The conference baa adjourned until Tuesday. Sir Edmund Barton is gratified that his attitude at the Imperial Conference is meeting with approval in Australia, He states that the proceedings are momentous, and the questions discussed and the results achieved will not be opposed to public opinion. There was no reason to fear, said Sir Edmund, that the Commonwealth would be bound to adopt courses out of harmony with public opinion without Parliament being consulted. Such action would be utterly at variance with his view.