THE COLONIES AND PREFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8747, 22 February 1907, Page 2

THE COLONIES AND PREFERENCE.

Press Association.—Copyright. London, February 21. At the United Empire Club dinner Sir Horace Tozcr regretted that Government had decided to close tne door against the discussion at tho Imperial Conference of one of the most important questions affecting tho mutual interests of Britain and tho colonies. He declared that the colonies were anxious to share tho responsibilities of Empire. It was absurd to suppose that the giving of some preference to the colonies would necessitate the imposition of undue burdens on. tho British working classes. Mblbouhne, February 22. Mr Deakin, explaining his intentions at tho Imperial Conference, indicated that he would support the conference being mad® an Imperial Council, consisting of the Prime Ministers of the f colonies, who would meet periodically and otherwise hold consultations by au organised system of correspondence with a permanent secretary to gather and collate information. Me also mdi- | cated that he would advise preference between Australia and Britain. Britain, he urged, should give, as well as receive, under preference.