A Spirited Speech.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8807, 8 May 1907, Page 2

A Spirited Speech.

Lloyd George to the Attack.

Press Association —Copyright. London, May 7. At the Conference to-day, Mr Lloyd George spoke for nearly three hours. Ho said the declared policy of England being Free Trade they could not admit the request of the colonial delegates being supported, though Government were anxious in every way to do all possible for the colonies and help to cement unity. Ho said a large section in England were too poor to admit of any increase in the prico of food stuffs, and he was afraid it would be the same for years to come. If preference had been agreed to, and a duty on wheat imposed, it would bo a hardship to the consumer, as taking wheat as a typical case, the self-governing colonies wore not able to supply sufficient wheat for England in the meantime, and consequently prices would rise That was the opinion of Government. Ho declared that a Conservative Government when in office removed the duty on coal for the same reason, and that if they again gained power they would not impose a duty on coal now. Ho stated that the Conservatives were divided on the question of protection. He quoted statistics to show that England had increased her export trade almost equal to that of America, Germany and Prance during the last ten years: Though he could not agree to duties they wore willing-to assist in other ways. He paid high compliment to Sir Joseph Ward for his suggestions in the important speech delivered by him, as being most valuable. With a view of helping the colonies they would show the sincerity of; the Government. In their desire to do so they would make provision for representative commercial agents, what they would term “Imperial commercial travellers,” in the various selfgoverning 'colonies to assist in disseminating information and obtaining what was required for assistance of traders. The question of subsidy to steamers was a difficult one and be saw groat difficulty in applying subsidies, to what are termed ordinary cargo carriers, but Sir Joseph Ward’s suggestion for a fast service to bring the colonies and England closer together had his sympathy and that of the Government. He understood that Sir Wilfrid -Laurior and Mr Deakiu supported the suggestion, and if practical proposals were submitted they would receive favorable consideration of Government. Bringing the colonies closer to England was most important. He was also in favor of doing what was possible to help in the reduction of Sues Canal dues, and anything that could bo c'iono in this direction to assist on the lines suggested by Sir. Joseph Ward would bo favorably considered.

Iv. r Doakin stated that “a bird in the liand is worth two in the bush.”

Mr Lloyd-George said tho policy of Government was ono of free trade, and they and their party had been returned upon that, although other elements of course came into the election, but they could not reverse their policy. . Mr George, adopting the interrogati vo form, Mr Deakin frequently replied, and others occasionally.

Mr George said Government wore willing to consider tho suggestion though nothing will induce thorn to change their position regarding tho United Kingdom’s tariff. challenged Sir W. Lyue’s and Mr Smart’s statements and arguments and reviewed tho United Kingdom’s position gauged by the test of growth of exports and imports. Protectionist rivals admitted that while British trade with tho rest of tho colonies was satisfactory Australia’s position was unsatisfactory and called for fall enquiry. Whatever was acting could bo applied since it alone showed a considerable decline in British imports. Ho contrasted Britain’s circumstances with Germany’s and Prance’s, as while maintaining highest wages and shortest hours British skilled labour was yielding goods of the highest value. Sir George continued by stating that the Kingdom’s exports and -manufactures were much higher per head than those of Prance, Germany and the United States. Her tonnage of shipping was enormously greater. Referring to Sir W. Lyue’s remarks regarding foreign shipping in Australian waters, Mr George said the. total entrances and clearances of over eea trade in Australian ports in 1003 were under two million tons, whilst tho shipping under the British flag was five and a half million tons. The Imperial Government might have ignored tho mandate given by Mr Deakin at the last election in favour of protection and preference, and might have endeavoured to induce tho Conference to adopt a policy of freotrade within the Empire, which same con’d not have approved without proving false to their people. Sir W. Lyne had urged the commercial uuion of the whole Empire, citing, precedents, but in all these cases all tolls and tariffs were removed. Had a freetrade resolution been proposed and refused, tlie press might have declared that the colonies refused to listen to tlie Motherland’s appeal to he put on equal terms with her children, who had slammed the door in the .old mother’s face. Government did not adopt that course, ro-

cognising the unfairness of ignoring local conditions and exigencies. Thor did not wish to attempt to manoeuvre each other into false positions, since all wore in perfect accord regarding the objects desired. It was better to try and discharge the political business of the Empire. The Government favoured the development of intor-Imperial trade which did not inflict a sacrifice on individual communities, creating discontent or discord, and impairing true unity. He heartily agreed that the Empire would be a great gainer if much now bought abroad could be produced and purchased within the Empire. Then part of the surplus population now goiug to foreign lands might be kept within the' Empire, adding a strength to such federation of free commonwealths worth some sacrifice., Ho only differed as regards ways and means. He was convinced that tho tax on food meant casting an undue share aud sacrifice on the poorest part of the population. A tax on raw material would fetter Britain in the severe struggle'with foreign competition ; such sacrifice would weaken the power to make further sacrifices, aud * Britain ought not to be called upon to make it, Mr Deakin had asked the Government to do what no protectionist country would do—namely, tax the necessaries of life or livelihood, which Britain cannot produce herself, and which the colonies cannot supply sufficiently for many years. He acknowledged tho considerable advantage' from colonial preference conferred bn tho British manufacturer by the Canadian tariff, which satisfactorily affected export trade, and apparently benefited Canada. The South African aud How Zealand tariffs would doubtless presently show similarly Imppy results, aud the same applied to Australia. Britain felt grateful, not ouly for actual concessions, but the spirit of comradeship,and affeption. If asked “what are you prepared to return?” lie replied “Britain is the best customer -of colonial products. ’ ’ Mr George, continuing, said the exports of the autonomous colonies in 190,5 to all foreign countries were millions; the exports to tho United Kingdom wbre 65% millions, exclusive of bullion and specie’2l% ndiilious. He would he sorry if the Conference parted without carefully considering Sir Joseph Ward’s valuable practical suggestions, Mr George admitted that it would he of undoubted advantage If traders could cable their orders quickly at unprohibitlve rates. Regarding tho appointment of commercial attaches or consuls in the colonies to assist British trade, Mr George admitted that we had not yet done enough. He was doubly glad that Sir Joseph Ward had raised the question, for Mr Asquith had ungrudgingly acceded to every foqnest for improving the equipment’ Of the Board of .Tradeis commercial department.