Coastal Trade.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8809, 10 May 1907, Page 2

Coastal Trade.

Warm Discussion. Press Association-Copyright. v Lokdon, May 9. Mr Deakin read a resolution to the effect that the Conference recommends that in order to provide funds for developing trade, commerce, means of communication and transnort within the Empire a duty of one per cent on all foreign imports shall be levied, or an equivalent contribution be made by each of its legislatures after consultation between their representatives in conference, and the common fund in the end shall be devoted to co-operative projects approved by the legislatures affected, with the general purpose of fostering the industrial forces of the Empire so as to promote its growth and unity, Mr Deakin explained that his resolution was intended to absolutely safeguard the rights of self-government. Mr Lloyd-Georgo first hotly attacked the scheme under the impression that it was a device for providing a large fund for assisting colonial projects. When Mr Deakin had explained, Mr

Lloyd-George appeared to regard his proposal as equitable, and allowed its submission. Mr Deakin moved the reaffirmation of the resolution adopted on Mr Seddon’s motion at the 1902 Conference relative to the desirability of taking stops to pro - mote Imperial trade m British ships, also the desirability of refusing the privileges of coastwise 'trade to unreciprooating foreign countries. Mr Deakin instanced the injurious effect of the Russian and American extended coastwise regulations. He tbought it desirable to ascertain the legal position and what wore the practical advantages or disadvantages of taking action in regard to coastwise trade. Mr Lloyd George considered the reso-

lution unnecessary and that it attacked the decisions of the Navigation Conference so far as they affected British shipping. He complained that the great liners would bo subjected to heavy losses owing to structural alterations and wages if they were forced to conform to the standards enforced in the Australian coastal trade. The Australian conditions even applied where ocean liners picked up two passengers at an Australian port for conveyance to another port. Such provisions would do much to hamper the carrying trade to Australia. He thought Australia ought to give the Motherland equality of. treatment before discussing preference. Mr Deakin’s resolution min’ht seem advantageous, but it examined it would be found to involve great difficulties. Its object was either to exclude foreign ships from our coasting or intor-Impcrial trade or to put pressure on foreign Governments to admit British ships to corresponding trade in their dominions. Mr George tbought the restriction of traders in the choice of transport facilities would probably raise the cost of carriage, thus proving a disability, also that a positive advantage would be given to foreign trade between the Empire and foreign countries as compared with trade 1 within the various portions'of the Empire, : if goods can only trav, 1 direct within the

Empire in British >hips while goods from foreign countries have the choice of either British or foreign ships. Neither Norway nor Germany excluded us from her coasting or inter-imperial trade, yet they supplied the bulk of foreign shipping engaged in our inlor-Imperial trade. The only vessels excluded would be Russian and United States, whose trade is so small that the posposal would confer little practical benefit. If the principle was extended there would bo danger ot reprisals on our shipping which is half that of the world. Foreign ships if excluded would compete more keenly in the foreign trade still open to them, which largely exceeds the colonial trade. So far as the United Kingdom is concerned, the interests of British shipping are not prejudiced by the very small amount of foreign shipping entering our coasting trade. Mr Deakin replied that his proposals were those of a commission not of his Government’s whose policy was still undecided. He also said that the conditions objected to were intended to raise the standard in conformity with Australian opinion. Sir Wilfrid Laurier bitterly complained that the colonies with Pacific Ocean interests were adversely affected in a very direct and serious manner. The United States had extended its coasting trade to embrace the trade of Honolulu and the Phillipines and though Canada offered to reciprocate in connection with her coasting trade the United States refused. Sir Joseph Ward strongly complained of Honolulu being regarded as an American coastal port, as it created an extraordinary position very injurious to New Zealand trade. He urged Britain to adopt a system similar to America regarding the extension of coastwise trade unless reciprocity was granted. Mr Lloyd George refused to entertain the idea of retaliation.

Ultimately tho resolution of 1902 was reaffirmed unanimously, except that Britain dissented when the colonies declined to limit the inquiry into the position of the intercolonial trade.

Proposed Australian Navy. At the Conference Lord Twoedmouth stated that as a result of an interview with tbe Australasian delegates ho was now able to summarise the Admiralty decisions so far as Australia and New Zealand are concerned. Ho was willing to leave the continuance of the present subsidy entirely in tbeir hands, leaving them to do whatever they thought best. He realised , that Australia did not favour the present mode of contribution to the Admiralty. He was willing to adopt the principle of Australia choosing for herself, especially as the Admiralty wished to bo relieved of the obligations of the agreement respecting tho strength of the squadrons to ho kept on that station. They wished to unite the three squadrons m Australia, India, and China. If Australia desired to establish its own defence system tho Admiralty would offer no objection. If New Zealand wished to continue its subsidy or establish submarines it would bo afforded facilities for either. Mr Deakin followed the lines of his despatch of 28th August, 1905. He stated that assuming Sir Joseph Ward consented he should ask tbe Commonwealth Parliament to terminate the agreement with Britain and apply the subsidy to securing the harbours on the const by protecting them, then they would relieve theAdmiraity of responsibility in war time and also be providing a baso of supply and shelter for merchantmen, and increase the security of tneir own traders in tho event of a cruiser raid. Australia would possess means of resistance in its own ports. Also when a British squadron arrived they would bo able to some extent to supply reinforcements. Australia’s desire to terminate the agreement was not dictated by motives of eoomony, since the new action would certainly cause greater outlay.

The Daily Chronicle declares that the mainspring of Australia’s now policy is a spirit cf nationalism, and perhaps a little ivoteotiouism also, for doubtless Australia will create industries for building her own ships.

Sydney, May 10. The Herald says the scheme of naval defence submitted to the Imperial Conference, requires the closest consideration, while the system of port defence was admirable. It would he a most inefficient substitute for an Australian squadron. It was plain from Lord Tweodmonth’s reply that the J Admiralty would he very glad to get rid of the agreement with Australia. New Zealand and Sir Joseph Ward have wisely stuck to tho old agreement, though the Admiralty showed itself perfectly willing to lot New Zealand out of the bargain as well as Australia.

The Tobgraph says that New Zealand will now ho left by the Commonwealth and the most made of her own bargain. That is the conspicuously weak [feature hi tho now arrangement.

Various Resolutions. At the Conference the. resolutions of Mr Donkin and Sir Joseph Ward, relating to treaty obligations, wore carried.

Tho Cape’s resolution was carried relating to uniformity in granting and protection of trade marks and patents. A resolution was corriesd advocating greater uniformity in the trade statistics of tho Empire and in company laws. The Conference recorded and reserved for further consideration Sir Joseph Ward’s resolution in favour of reciprocity in tho admission of barristers,. and passed Sir Joseph Ward’s resolution for reciprocity in tho admission of land surveyors.

The Royal Banquet. King Edward gave a dinner to the Premiers at Buckingham Palace. There wore present tho Prince of Wales, the Dukes of Connaught, Fife, Argyll, the British Ministers and ex-ministers, Mr Bent, Sir W. Lyno, Lorß Milner, the High Commissioners, and Agents-General. King Edward during:the banquet spoke as follows“ I cannot leave this room without raising my glass to wish prosperity and happiness to the guests representing my oversea dominions, I give a hoarty welcome

to the distinguished statesmen here to.nlght, and trust f- at . they will carry away an “agreca mo impression of the Motherland and wish them God speed on the voyage home. The baud of the Irish Guards played sleecfcions.