TARIFF REFORM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 202, 15 January 1913, Page 5

TARIFF REFORM.

CONFERENCE ON THE MEMORIAL By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. London, January 13. Air. Bonar Law and Lord Lansdownc had a conference to-night. It is understood that they agree with the policy outlined in the memorial, subject to slight modification. THE UNIONIST BREACH. Received 14, 5.5 p.m. London, January 13. Mr. Austen Chamberlain, speaking at Acocks Green, said that the Unionists were passing through a crisis. He was unable to share the responsibility if a decision was reached. He was afraid that the change would be calamitous to the party and a misfortune for the Empire. A FIGHTING SPEECH. • MR. CHAMBERLAIN TAKES OFF THE GLOVES. Received 14, 9.55 p.m. Loudon, January 14. Air. Chamberlain added that he did not wish to increase the leaders' difficulties. The Ashton speech had failed to allay the restlessness created by the Albert Hall speech. Although he was not consulted about the Ashton speech. with which he did not wholly agree, he was prepared to subordinate his views to those of his leader. He was still ready to do so if the position were unchanged, hut the position had changed. The timid ones had become frightened at the strong upholders of the policy, and had become puzzled. Uncertainty had spread with the widespread movements to postpone preference. He believed that food duties were necessary to afford justice to their own agriculture. It was impossible to secure community of in- , terests between different parts' of the Empire without them. He urged his colleagues to throw their whote strength into the campaign, and not to cease their efforts until they had destroyed the misrepresentation with which 'their policy had been clouded, lie still believed that this was tne most courageous and the wisest course, but the partv's decision was against him. He. for the first time, was unable to share the responsibility of the decision. He could not turn baek himself. unsay what he had said, or pretend to like the changed attitude. A REFERENDUM OR AN ELECTION. Received 14. 9.35 p.m. London. January 14. Mr. F. Smith. Unionist member for Liverpool, speaking at Cricklewood. said that the only difference amongst the Unionists was whether if food (axes were decided on the proposal should be submitted to the countrv bv referendum or at ti genera! election.