FISCAL UNITY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 135, 9 June 1903, Page 3

FISCAL UNITY.

MB CHAMBERLAIN PROFITS BT EXPERIENCE. Per Press Association. Keceived 8,11 21 p.m. London, June 8. Mr Ohambn-'ain, replying to a correspondent, admitted his statement made in 1891 that a tax on food meant a decline in wages was erroneous, YALUIS OF R4niCXL OPISION3. FC3IHER ARGUKMEHTB BY MR CHAMBERLAIN Received 9, 0.20 a.m. London, June 8. Mr Chamberkin, replying to a correspondent, said he did not attach excessive importance to the views of the Trades Union leaders, because they were stronsf radical partisans whose opinions were not necessarily shared by the workers generally, tor even by trades unionists. In connection with preferential tariff's and commercial fair pluy, he was confident the workers would not submit to the dictation of even the most trusted trades unionists leiders. In any cise the duty on corn would be paid by the exporter?, and whether the duty would raise the cost of living would dep nd upon the extent of competition amongst the exporting countries. Even if the price of food were raised, wages would be raised in a "greater proportion. He instmeed the United States and Germany as examples of his contention. If when negotiating with foreign countries we were able to bargain on rqual terme, the duties now impose! would be generally reduced. Foreigners would compete in our markets, brioging us nearer to real free trade. He was confident that a revision cf import duties would secure a large sehems of old age pensions for the thrifty and well conducted. It hid been proved that the British possessions were capable of rapidly increasing their food supplies. He added that if his scheme wss going to bring ruin and starvation, how then could the fact be accounted for that the increase of exports, wsge j , and general prosperity during the last 20 yeirs in the Unite! S:ates and Germany h.d been greater than in the United Kingdom, the only country enjoying unrestricted free imports.