THE FISCAL QUESTION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12631, 19 October 1905, Page 5

THE FISCAL QUESTION.

United Press Association—Copyright.

Received October 18, 10.35 a.m. MELBOURNE, October 18. In the House, Mr Deakin tabled correspondence relating to preferential trade with South Africa and Canada.

Mr Deakin, on September 25, cabled to the Cape Premier, suggesting with a view to the improvement and development of trade relations between Australia and South Africa, preferential treatment of products, making certain proposals.

The Cape Premier replied that his Government was friendly, and would meet Australia as far asi possible, but was unable to give a definite reply until after the South African Customs Convention, which will discuss tee proposal for 25 per cent, preference all round. As 'regards Canada, on August 24, an inquiry was received through the Colonial Office from the Canadian Privy Council, asking whether the Common; wealth was willing to enter into negotiations, with a view to establishing preferential trade, and if so, whether it would offer stated tariff concessions, or prefer to make the subject one for a conference between representatives of the two Governments.

THE " TIMES » ON THE SUBJECT.

Received October 17, 9.33 p.m

LONDON, October 18

The " Times" says the hostility displayed by the Liberal leaders towards the preferential arrangement is hardly likely to encourage the Colonial Premiers to free speaking except through sheer provocative effect to treat the question as a foregone immutable conclusion which absolutely excludes the idea of a compromise for great Imperial ends. It is not the way to approach fair discussion. Mr Deakin's latest deliverance is the right way to solve the question of reciprocity within the Empire.