THE TRADE OF THE EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 21 June 1907, Page 3

THE TRADE OF THE EAST.

N.S.W. AND VICTORIA AT LOGGERHEADS. "IE THEY WANT TO FIGHT, WE WILL GIVE THEM EIGHT." Received 20th, 11.25 p.m. Sydney, June 20. A deputation urged upon Mr. Carruthcrs, Premier of New South Wales, the growing trade witli the East, and the necessity for providing improved improved communication. The deputation also protested at the interference on the part of Victoria by means of subsidised Melbourne-owned steamers, wheieby preference was given Victorian merchants to the detriment of those of | other States. They pointed out that, after the Burns, Philp Co., and Adelaide I exporters had gone to a large amount of trouble ia developing trade with Singapore and Java, Victoria proposed to step in and take it. They asked the New South Wales Government to use its influence to see that no subsidy was paid by Victoria, or that the Government subsidise the present New South Wales service, and thus equalise matters. Mr. Carruther said he considered Victoria's action unconstitutional. The Commonwealth Government ought to deal with the matter; that was, if the Commonwealth Government was not under the thumb of Victoria, which he believed it was. He was not built of the stuff that let matters go as Victoria expected, rt would, he thought, be a fair thing for the Government to equip'or subsidise a line of steamers similar to Victoria, "If they want to fight, we will give them fight," he said. At the same time, if Victoria would agree to fair terms, he was willing regards trade in the East. "We ought certainly to be the pioneers of the development." He mentioned (hat the Premier of Queensland was at one with him on that question. He believed Sir Joseph Ward also took up a similar attitude.