THE FISCAL PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 183, 6 August 1904, Page 2

THE FISCAL PROBLEM.

COLONIAL CONFERENCE. LONDON, August 4. Mr Chamberlain, in a letter published in the Times, welcomes Lord liosoboiy's letter, which ho declares curries Lord Hoscbery back to his 'putriotic attitude of 1888. Ho agreeH with Lord Hosebery that the colonists' wjMhea ore an essential condition, and hopes that wihianuheir wishes are expressed Lord Hosebery , will give duo weight to Uiero. Ha must not. however, bar out the colonies' main object in accepting the proposal, namely, whether in return tor the preference thoy are prepared to give we are ready to make that sacriliw to economic orthodoxy that' Lord Bosqbery contemplated in 1888, and reciprocate with preference on coin, meat and other products. The colonies' desire was to extend trade < relations with the Home Country, To suggest a conference on preferonce, winks excluding reference to taxes on food, would bo childish and I almost insulting.

FEDERAL PREMIER'S OPINION. NO NECESSITY FOR CONFERENCE AT PRESENT. ' I (Received August fi, 10.55 p.m.) MELBOURNE, August S. With reforence to Mr Chamberlain's l>roi>osed new colonial conference on tlie preferential trade question, Mr Watson (Federal Premier) sees no grave necessity for such a masting at the present juncture. In his view Australia expressed Its opinion at the last elections, and it now Appears wisest to wait for a declaration on the subject by Britain. If the people at Home declared in favour of it at the elections, then it would bs proper to convene a conference of colonial representatives with a view of arriving at an understanding m to the limes preference should take. All such a conference could consider would be the details, and these wtrtf superfluous until the principle wa* ( afllrmed. ANOTHER LARUE MEETING. MR CHAMBERLAIN UNFOLDS A SCHEME. (Received August 6, 0.24 a.m.) LONDON, August 6.. A large and' Influential meeting , was held to tile riding adhool at Wetbeck, 13,000 perßoai'Mnff present. The Duke of Portland presided. Mr Chatnibferlain emphasised fto doclino of agriculture, which was suffering from free imports more than were manufactures. The policy at retaliation! was good as far as It went, "but," he asked, "where did \ agriculturalists come in ?" Agriculturalists weno equally, entitled to justice. A two shilling duty on com was loss important than a duty on Hour to revive British Milling. This would keep in Britain bran an|d offal, thus cheapening'foodstuffs. Hs proceeded to unfold a policy from the agriculturalists' labourers' standpoint, and received the warmest applause ; but be reserved his appeal for a closer fiscal union with the colonies". A resolution favourable to the scheme was carried unanimously.; Mr Chamberlain, in responding. - read an encouraging telegram from tho president of the Chamber of' Commerce and manufacturers in Western Australia. ' The Standard says Mr Chamberlain's arguments are inconclusive, unconvincing, end mutually destructive.' The Times, in supporting the speech says it is difficult to differentiate Mr Chamberlain's proposed duty on eggs, cheese, butter, and preserved milk; from Mr llalfour's retaliation policy. These articles are drawn from countries taxing Britirfi goods heavily ; hence they are proper suht"" joctsfor retaliation. REPLY FROM ROSEBERV. ONLY, GENERAL ELECTION CAM GIVE MANDATE. (Received August 6, 1 a.nw) LONDON. August S. Lord Roseiiery, in another letter to the Times, says he is glad he has clii-iii*; Mr Ohamljerlaiii'a letter, and ' 0, asks why a conference should be' 9 summoned, Nothing has happened jince 1902, excepting that the coun-. tr.v.iiad g*iven an einphulic negative ,&> the question of taxing food. 'Who," he asks, "could represent Great Britain at a oomference suminonfd to discuss the taxation at food ? Who would they represent ? Only a general election could coolec a mandate."