Imperial Reciprocity.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 6083, 2 October 1903, Page 3

Imperial Reciprocity.

Mr Chamberlain Replies to his Critics.

Received Oct. 2, 8.2 am

London, Oct 1

Mr Chamberlain, in his preface to a pamphlet on Imperial Reciprocity, qonsisting of articles published by the' " Daily "telegraph/ vehemently assails his Qppoaentgfp.r representing that food heretofore hag been free, and deliberately ignoring the fact that the larger part of the revenue 13 derived from food and drink, the bulk of which is consumed by the workers. Me declares the danger of the future not to be any riße in prices owing to taxation, but the failure of supplies, due to natural causes or combinations similar to the wheat corner engineered by Joseph Loiter, an American spectator, some time ago. He adds that any policy that develops new markets, and increases food producing area, will tend to cheapness and stability of price. Any duty to secure preferential trade with the Colonies would be small, and probably wholly—but certainly partly — paid by foreigners. Any additional cost to workers would be met by equivalent reductions in 3taey equal}? necessary 'articles "of food, would provide more employment for our people, and a greater demand for labour, with a rise in wages, full work, and fair prices.