The Conference.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43087, 2 May 1907, Page 2

The Conference.

MR DEAKIN FOR RECIPROCAL TRADE.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

LONDON, - Yesterday. Mr Deakin said that from the first inception of the Colonial Conference, the possibility of more intimate trade relations between the Motherland and

colonies as a msana of customs,, or customs union, had been in the minds of representatives. He quoted Lord Salisbury’s remarks at the opening of the conference in 1887, and a debate following on Sir Samuel Griffiths’ 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 the Imperial authorities from the standpoint of permanent unity of the Empire. Such remarks from free traders were significant. He recapitulated his own comments on the same occasion that Messrs Griffiths’ and Hoffmeyer’s ideas suggested the best, if not the only means available to bring the Empire closer together. Mr Deakin dealt at some length with Mr Hoffmeyer’s proposals made in 1887, and also his warning at the Ottawa conference as to the danger of neglecting his advice. Mr Deakin read the resolutions in favour of reci-

procity with the colonies, passed in 1894, and repeated in 1897 and 1902. He dwelt on ihe advance made during each period and quoted Mr Balfour’s reply to a depu f ation in 1904. When he stated that the present conference wa ■ summoned fur the purpose of considering the possibility of cl >ser and better trade relations, Mr Deakin disclaimed any intention of touching

British politics. It was only advisable to notice the appeal which the British co nmoners had made to the electors of the Commonwealth in June, 1906, to resist preference becau~eit made a tax on food. That appeal had been rejected by a majority of three to one at the recent Australian elections.