LYNE'S STRAIGHT TALK

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 18 May 1907, Page 3

LYNE'S STRAIGHT TALK

■♦■ BRITISH MINISTERS CHASTISED. London, May 16. Sir W. Lyne, interviewed, said no considers the Government adopted a callous attitude regarding preference, newal of the ararngement." He added: British people seriously consider the question. He is doubtful of good results from a- Secretariat worked by the Colonial Oflice. Until Australia's "coast fleet is a reality it would be bitter for the Admiralty to maintain the existing squadron in Australian waters. uv regretted that the Conference did not consider what Pacific Islands ought to be included in the jurisdiction of Aus- I tralian coastal trade.

Sir W.'Lyne addressed n crowded meeting at the London Chamber of Commerce. He promised a hearty welcome to all visiting Australia i:i l'JO!'. He complained of Mr Asquith reasserting the fiction that the Premiers demended preference in raw niatrials required for British manufacturers. Sir W. Lyne insisted that Great Britain's trade with Australia was not increasing with the same rapidity as that oi foreigners. He dwelt On the unparalleled prosperity of Australia, and w..s enthusiastically applauded.

Received 17th, 9.50 p.m. London, May 17. Sir W. Lyne addressed a meeting of the Australasian Chamber of Commerce. He regretted to find in London those who owed all to Australia, not standing forth to help Australia. The Premiers' Conference represented over fifteen million whites, who wished to give preference. In the Conference, the British Government's action had been negative from the start, with a view negative of everything Australia wanted. It was not entirely offensive, but a "sit still," sort of we-won't-to-it attitude. The officials gave a very good precis when Ministers spoke, hut a very bad one when others spoke. He hoped the Blue Book would soon be published, which would show the public the efforts made by the Premiers to get the Government to do something. They were met with an almost offensive negative by two members of the Conference. First, Mr. Asquith, who had a case, and worried for it like a brief in court; and, second, Mr. Winston Churchill, who was against us all the time as far as preference was concerned. One man, who helped much, both at the Imperial and Shipping Conference, was Mr. Lloyd George, who helped to take off the rough-edge of his colleagues' refusal. He hoped things would be different before the next meeting. If the present Government did not alter their attitude they would be beaten. CHASTISER CHASTISED. ; Received 18th, 1253 a.m. London, May 17. The Daily Chronicle says Sir W. Lyra's remarks as sadly lacking in restraint, and even courtesy. Mr. Asquith's address at the Conference was unquestionable trenchant, but if Sir W. Lyne cannot answer it. he had better leave it alone. We welcome discussion, but there should be as little direct infusion of party spirit as possible.