IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2684, 12 July 1894, Page 1

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.

Ottawa, July 4. Sir J. H. DoViUiers’ (Capo) motion respecting the removal of obstacles in the way of recripocity was carried. The Conference rejected the immediate construction of the Pacific cable, on the ground that the data at present was insufficient. The Conference resolved, in the event of the laying of a Pacific cable, to extend it to Capo Colony. A motion to foster preferenlia 1 duties between Groat Britain and the colonies is now under discussion. Some of the delegates are willing that the Pacific cable should bo laid by private enterprise. Mr Uuddart has snbmittod to the Conference an outline of his proposal for a

fast Atlantic service, and increased Australian service. At the conference Mr Foster (Canada) moved, and Sir H. Wrixou (Victoria) seconded, a resolution that it is advisable that the colonies and Great Britain should agree upon a Customs tariff favouring trade within the Empire against foreigners, and that before Great Britain agrees it is advisable to settle the terms of intercolonial reciprocity, including South African Customs union. The delegates who spoke pressed the importance of reciprocity in strengthening the British, nation’s position. It is proposed that another congress shall be held in five years 5 time. It was pointed out that the very fact of a conference being held strikingly reaffirmed the unity of the empire. There was no fear of any new spirit in the colonies. Combination was part of the price that must be paid for the Empire. The Conference has passed a resolution favouring preferential trade. The Australian delegates strongly opposed the proposal to ratify the treaty between France and Canada, as calculated to deprive Australia of a market for their wines in Canada. The delegates in the discussion on preferential trade recognised the difficulty of England agreeing to it, but they believed that if the colonies freely reciprocated the way would be paved for an Imperial trade system, July 10. Sir A. P. Caron proposed, and Sir H. Wrlxon seconded, a motion that Great Britain should be asked to subsidise Canada’s Atlantic mail service, the colonies supporting the coast of the Pacific service. The Canadian Government has been requested to ascertain the cost of the Pacific cable. The Conference has now closed. The delegates are now visiting Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec. London, July 8. The Spectator thinks that the proposal of the Ottawa Conference for preferential trade rates between the colonies and the mother country is a dangerous suggestion, which may induce foreigners to retaliate.