THE MOTHERLAND AND CANADA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7952, 30 January 1906, Page 5

THE MOTHERLAND AND CANADA.

A REMARKABLE SPEECH. CANADA DOES NOT WANT PREFERENCE FOR" FOOD PRODUCTS. Received January 29, 9.31 p.m. OTTAWA, January 29. A speeoh by th 9 Hon. Sydney Fis her, tbe Canadian Minister of Agriculture, delivered in the Mackenzie Club at Montreal—thougb it ia understood that tie was oijly expressing taia own views—has attracted widespread attention. Mr Fisher remarked that it was a calumny to aay what had boon said during tile Bri tish elections that unless Cnuadiau products were granted preference in the Motherland markets, Canada was liable to sepnrate from the Empire. The Canadian fannera did not demand, and did not want, nrefereuce for food products. 'T'he Motherland, under tbe existing conditions," said the speaker, "absorbs all the food products we can send, paying profitable prices for them. We do not bend more because the productive capacity of Canada's agricultural population is unable to produce it." Personally, as a farmer and as a Minister, he was rather glad that England had decided not to give Uanada preference. Canadian agriculture did not require preference because the far mers were able to beat their rivals at every point.

Received January 29, 11.47 p.m, OTTAWA, January 29.

Mr Fisher, continuing, said that, therefore, they did noc ask the Motherland to burden herself to benefit the Canadians, or others. "We," said Mr Fisher, "gave preference because it suits ourselves." If he were an elector in England he would be a Liberal Freetrader. The best way to strengthen the Empire was by giving an absolutely .free hand to each part, whenever common objects demanded a general consideration. Then let trusted leaders meet in conference. "As free trade is England's economic necessity," continued the speaker, "so freedom from militarism is ours. To make Canada strong for herself and the Empire, let nothing make it swerve. Our work is to gain population, prosperity and wealth. As we wish our ties within tbe Empire to be lasting and strong, make them elaatio and loose so as not to snap, as a straightened cord is apt to do."