IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8802, 2 May 1907, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Preferential Tariffs.

Press Association.— ICopyright. 1 Copyright.

IjOspoh, May 1. Mr Deakin said that from tha first incaption o£ Colonial Conferences the possibility of more intimate trade relations between the Motherland and the colonies by means of customs or customs union has been in the minds of representatives. He quoted Lord Salisbury’s remarks at the opening of the Conference of 1887 and the debate following on Sir Samuel Griffith’s direct appeal for preferential trade within the Empire. He also cited the late Mr Service’s remarks that the whole subject must be dealt with widely by tha Imperial authorities from the standpoint of permanent unity of the Empire. Such remarks from freetraders were significant. He recapitulated his comments on the same occasion on Sir S. Griffith’s and Mr Hofmeyer’s ideas.” He suggested this was the best if not the only means available to bring the Empire closer together. He dealt at some length with the Hofmeyer’s proposals in 1887, also his warning at the Ottawa conference an the danger of neglecting his advice. Mr Deakin read resolutions in favour of reciprocity with the colonics passed in 1894 and repeated in 1698 and 1902 and dwelt on the advance made in each period. He quoted Mr Balfour’s reply to a deputation in 1904 when he stated that the present conference was summoned for the purpose of considering the possibility of closer and better trade relations. Mr Deakin disclaimed any .ntention of touching British politics, but it

was only advisable to notice the appeal which the British commoners made to the electors oi the Commonwealth in June 1906 to resist preference because it meant a tax on food. That appeal had been rejected

by ft majority of 3 to 1 at tho recent Au tvalian elections. Mr •‘Deakiu contimrecl by stating that ho recognised [that though a strong difference of opinion existed ou this question the opponents wore not lacking in goodwill. He admitted that the subject must be dealt with as a matter of business. All tho world over trade was sought and fought for. Australia proposed preference, believing it would cause au increase of trade within tho Empire, which would lead to tho development of tho resources and building up the dominions beyond the seas. They were the Motherhiucl’s best customers, aud must always remain 1 part of the same Empire. Ho claimed that it should be regarded from that standpoint. Tins is the political motive to be kept in mind Britain constituted the world’s best markt. Even if preference was granted by tho colonies aud duties were levied on foreign goods, it would still remain the best market for foreign goods. Ho other country enjoyed such opportunities for asserting its dominion as Britain. Its purchasing power gave it enormous authority. The seller is tho courtier, the buyer the king. Ho recognised tnat the first duty of the British Parliament was to consider British interests. It it chose to protect its industries and revive those which wore decayed, tho colonies could take no possible exception. What Australia proposed was that after Britain had studied local interest she should make arrangements for the mutual benent of both. That would be best done by looking at each proposal critically in a business light. As Sir Edward Laws bad clone in a memorandum to Lord Curzou in 1004, we ought to consider how far it was possible for tho several units of the political whole to assist each other. He dwelt ou the importance of keeping the Empire together by resorting to every opportunity _ which would assist its consolidation. He urged that greater co-operation was a necessity of iho Empire’s continued existence. It was not intended to dictate to any self-governing communities, but they should negotiate freely,for au equable schme of mutual advantage. Australia asked for no concession she was not prepared to reciprocate. He quoted Holt Scholing’s statistics, showing tho great decline in the proportion of British exports, particularly to Australia, Canada, India, the Capo, aud the Straits Settlements. Scholiug showed that a large continuous fall had occurred in tho United Kingdom’s share of the Australian market ; during Tho past decade. Britain’s share had fallen to £61.3 per £IOO. Britain was losing her place as a seller in the markets of her colonies. ; This result was not from any serious diminution in trade caused i by the development of Australian iu- ■ dus tries, but was contemporaneous with a substantial increase in combined trade. Mr Deakiu proceeded to give a detailed analysis of tho fluctuations of Australian trade, and tho extent to which it had been conquered by foreign goods, much of which was carried hy subsidised ships. He aroused much interest hy showing the treatment accorded Australian meal aud dairy produce in Germany, by means of prohibitive duties aud other restrictive demands enforced with a view of absolutely stopping trade. Similar difficulties in France, Africa, aud Sweden, were likely to act in tho same way, except whore raw materials wore required. He stated that there was no trade in frozen meat with Europe except England. He. instanced Denmark’s receiving great advantage, especially from tho low English railway rates, for her dairy products. The effect of these foreign restrictions was that foreign markets were being closed against Australia, while in the Eng lish market she had to compote with tlie'cxports from the very countries which received the same free access Australia enjoyed. Australia wished greater advantages in the British market since it was unlikely’ she would find a market ou the Continent. Australia was able to supply an immensely larger fiart of Britain’s wants than Was .now supplied by foreigners. He believed the threat of retaliation would bring the foreign nations to their knees. It was absolutely necessary tiiat Australia should fiud fresh markets owing to increasing population and a larger cultivated area. Without preference it was doubtful if Australia would bo able to maintain its position in tho British markets. With preference tho wheat exports might increase four-fold, aud with the increase of export fully another 40,000 of tho population might bo employed.

Press Opinions. The Times says Mr Deakiu’s statement was forcible and comprcheusvo and amounted to a political event. Tlie sentimental side of the question for the moment was almost the most important, and it was emphatically the duty of a Government setting such store on sentimental ties to do nothing to wrench the strong sentiment of Empire. The Morning Post says the debate must extract from the Government an official version of their case against preference; it would thereafter be the duty of Unionists to obtain the necessary mandate from the electorates.

The Daily Mail says that the Government’s treatment of preference was based on the principle of verdict first and trade afterwards. The irony of it was that after denying the reality of the Colonial offer Ministers were doomed to hear statesmen reiterating it. The Daily News hopes that Mr Deakin will carry away the message that England is glad to give the colonies free trade, and a free navy, common citizenship, and bh® cheapest money, but that she would not tax food or restrict industry. The Standard relies on the edncativejinfluonco of colonial statesmen on the Motherland to even up the disastrous results of the election in January, 1006. Nearly oue half of the nation was prepared to accompany them the whole road. The Tribune congratulates Mr Deakin on his thoroughness and frankness. That is how people in the Motherland wish to hear colonials speaking out and their own statesmen to answer. There was no playing Tiutara wine and pippins (a reference to Mr Lloyd George’s sarcastic remark of February 23) with Mr Deakin’s speech; but on the merits of the question the opinion of freetraders was against the reversal of a policy '-which was strengthened by Mr Ih;akin’s healthy and businesslike frankness.

Dinner at Buckingham Palace

King Edward has left for Homo via Paris. He will give a dinner to the Premiers and statesmen at Buckingham Palace on June Bth. Ladies will not ho included, as the Queen and Princess Victoria will ho absent visiting Athens.: