THE PREFERENCE CONTROVERSY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 15 May 1907, Page 2

THE PREFERENCE CONTROVERSY

SPEECH BV: Jill. DKAKLV. Heceived 14th, 10.21) p.m. Loudon, May 14. At a dinner nt New College, Oxford, m honor ol the Colonials, .\l r . Deakin, responding to the toast of the -Over sc.i Dominions," said the people of the Motherland would recognise that the nolonics, in bringing j'orwurrf proposals for preference, did so because they believe it would be of mutual advantage, and only ventured to recommend them as far as (hey might be of mutual advantage. Whether they were or not, it was for the people of the Motherland to decide. Whether they decided behind a closed door, or behind a shimmed door, or any other door, their right to chose was unchallenged and unehallengable.

DESIRE FOR IMPERIAL- UNITY. Received loth, 12.25 a.m. Loudon, May 14. Continuing, Mr. Deakin said, "Uy improved means of communication, reduced canal dues, and other practical ideas, we :-cek, a.s yon seek, to draw closer. We have received encouraging, and evidently sincere, hopes for the future, but no single definite proposal has yet come before us. Unity is our chief desire, and we employ any and every means in our powers. (Cheers.) I in nowise undervalue what the Conference has achieved, and believe it has achieved more than appears. Let us hope it will be dealt with in a'business way."