CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CONGRESS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2377, 2 July 1892, Page 1

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CONGRESS.

London, June 29, The Agents-General and all the colonial delegates were present at the Congress of the Chambers of Commerce to-diiy. Lord Knutsford, Sir J. Lubbock, and Sir R. Hanson, welcomed the delegates. Lord Brassey moved a resolution in favor of a a closer commercial union of the Empire, flu a freetrade speech he stated that there were unmistakeable signs that England could no longer occupy an exclusive position in the Australian market, either as buyers or sellers. Mr Malcolm Fraser seconded the motion in a fair trade speech, advocating free trade within the B mpire, and protection without. The motion was carried. Mr Cobden moved that a fiscal union based on preferential duties would be dangerous. He advised the colonies to adopt free trade. Sir C, Tupper (Canada) moved an amendment advocating a slight preferential duty as against foreign articles. He was especially in favor of a five shillings duty on corn. The debate was adjourned. Discussion occurred on Sir J. Lubbock’s motion in favor of commercial union on a free trade basis within the empire. Messrs Clarke (Auckland), Graham (Canterbury), and Levin (Wellington), spoke in favor of preferential duties. The debate on this subject was also adjourned.