THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8788, 16 April 1907, Page 2

THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE.

Newspaper Opinions Firm on Freetrade.

Press Association—Copyright. London, April 15. 1 The Daily News declares that the 1 Liberals entirely prepared to discuss . at the Conference any subject that may s tend to Imperial unity and the common welfare of the colonies and the Mother- i land. Preference will be freely discussed, ; but it is recognised at the outset that i England remains a freetrade country. Britain alone, among the great nations of Europe, admits duty free Canada’s j corn, the Cape’s wines, and Australia’s mutton. If the colonies are inclined to | retaliate upon other nations of Europe by admitting in return English goods free, or with lower duty, we accept such consideration with gratitude, but we neither demand inor solicit such concession. Each colony must choose the system best suited to its own interests. There ought to be a strong demand for some permanent organisation in the centre of the Empire for purposes of consultation and most Liberals will look favourably at it. The Daily Chronicle says short of abandoning freetrade, which is, as vital to Britain as oxygen to human life, there is no sacrifice we would not gladly make for the colonies. We look for tangible results of the greatest value from the conference, even on subjects whereon definite action is impossible. Nothing but good can result from free and frank exchange of views. Mr Deakin, Sir J, G. Ward, Dr Jamieson and Mr Moore are in favour of open discussion at the Conference. Britain and Sir Wilfred Laurier object, and General Botha

is doubtful. Sir Wilfred Laurier says he would be unable to speak freely on Canada’s position in the presence of the press. The question of publicity will be the first subject discussed. The Times says the fact that Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman is delivering the opeiling address marks a distinct advance,_ a,nd shows the increasing hold on public opinion established by these gatherings, which Mr Chamberlain’s personal influence and prestige did so much to launch. The present Conference may do more or less than expected of it, but it cannot leave things as it found them. The Empire is always moving, and has been in recent years moving fast, and in coming years its motion will probably be faster, and from the political standpoint be a motion towards or away from the Tho Times iu a third special article urges that Imperial preference, including preference in customs, navigation, and State aid to emigration, provides an indispensable key to every approach to Imperial unity.

The Opening Ceremony. The Imperial Conference has been opened. The King sent a message welcoming the representatives and hoping that the Conference would have good results in the interests of the Empire.

Lord Elgin presided. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman welcomed the representatives. Ho said that he was confident that important matters involving differences of opinion would be approached with the recognition that the will of the people in each part' of the Empire must he paramount. The conference would find that his colleagues would join in the freest discussion of the important matter of preference and that the British Government would carefully consider any decision the Conference might come to. Ho was delighted with the assurance of Mr Lloyd George that the Navigation Conference would have good results. Mr Deakiu said ho was sure Sir H; Campbell-Bannerman’s remarks would be read with interest in Australia, . All were anxious to cement the ties of Empire and it would bo most disappointing if undue secresy was observed.

Sir Joseph Ward said the spirit shown by Sir H. Campbell-Banner-man was exceedingly gratifying. The Navigation Conference showed that discussion enabled apparently hopeless questions to be satisfactorily settled and if the colonies were exempted from Home party conflicts it would bo possible to evolve a policy of continuity which would strengthen the Empire. Lord Elgin, presiding, said he hoped that good work would be accomplished at the Conference. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman declared that the British Government was as anxious to promote the wellbeing of the colonies as the colonics were themsdlves. Britain claimed freedom to do what she considered best in the interests of her own people and conceded a similar freedom to the colonies. The Imperial Government could not go behind the declared intentions of Britain and Parliament no more than could the Premiers go behind the intentions and wishes of their communities and Parliaments. Referring to defence Sir Henry said: “We do not meet yon as claimants for money, although we cordially recognise the spirit in which contributions have been made in the past. ’ ’ He continued that there was room for agreement and advance on many subjects, and bo considered the meeting of Premiers most valuable. He acknowledged the valuable work of Sir Joseph Ward and Sir William Lyuo at tlu Navigation Conference and deeply regretted Mr Chamberlain’s illness.

Message from Sir 1. Forrest,

Melbourne, March 16. Sir John Forrest cabled to Mr Deakiu and his colleagues to express the fervent hope that the Conference would assist in promoting an increase of trade of commerce among British people, maintenance of British supremacy on the sea and a closer union of the bond of loyalty of the British race throughout the world.