Imperial Conference.

Manawatu Herald, 29 July 1902, Page 2

Imperial Conference.

The Imperial Conference will probably close next week. There is no probability of any attempt being made to alter the political relations of the colonies and the Empire, which is considered unnecessary and inopportune. It is probable a non-committal resolution will be adopted favouring a general concession in the direction of preferential treatment of British, goods, to such extent and in such a way as individual colonial Parliaments may determine. No one has suggested that Britain should alter her existing fiscal-system. Mr Chamberlain’s tactful guidance of the Conference of Premiers is much admired. It is believed that Australia is not unwilling to contribute about £220,000 towards the maintenance of a stronger modern auxiliary squadron without undertaking additional direct military responsibilities, though the federal land defences would be imp roved*

Triennial Imperial favoured, provided the Parliamentary situations perniit# 4 Sir Edmund Barton’s position is ; that, while any arrangement respect- ’ ing preferential treatment remains dependent on the decision of half-a-dozen autonomies, the essence of ; such an agreement is that each party should determine the nature and extent of its preferential treatment. \ Mr Chamberlain has hinted that the Premiers concurred that Great ij Britain would be able to reciprocate by means of increased mail and cable subsidies for increased facilities for the shipping industry, including a ; remission of harbour does and wider facilties for docking, repairing and J coaling and in other ways, without ’ 3 placing direct disabilities upon foreign ' | trade. Such increased trading faoUi- J| ties would be applicable as between groups of colonies as well as the colonies and the Motherland. 'J There is an impression that Canada | is willing to extend more advantageous preferential relations in return for liberal mail subsidies to Atlantic ,‘j and Pacific steamers. 1