AUSTRALIAN PREFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 253, 23 October 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN PREFERENCE.

DEFENCE BY liTWE. , KEALITY OF CONCESSION. (Received 9.50 a.m.) MELBOURNE, this day. In the tariff debate, the amendment moved by Mr. Glynn to excise ,the preferential rate on candles raised a, discussion on preferential trade. Sir William Lyne said the promise of the Government on the question had been honestly carried out in the tariff schedule. Owing to the combination of the Press and the existence of the cable syndicate, Australians only received news which had been censored by that syndicate or its representatives in London. The reported feeling of Great Britain against preference did not exist, and the other statements made were not a true representation of British feeling to-day. The preferential proposals of the Government were not intended to be regarded as in the nature of a bargain, although he admitted he would like to see the treatment reciprocated. The preference offered was not of the mythical nature some members affected to believe. If the result was to transfer half or. even one-third of other foreign trade to Great Britain it would forward the interests of the Empire. The tariff, continued Sir William Lyne, would offer a preference of 11 per cent in favour of Great Britain. That was a very considerable preference, and he could not see why Great Britain should not admit Australian wines free. Or nearly free. The policy would not raise the price of bread or anything else to the people. Air. Glynn then -withdrew his amendment.

SPEECH BY MR. DEAKIN

THE RECENT CONFERENCE. STRENGTH OF LITTLE ENGXANBEES, (Received 10.10 a.m.) MELBOURNE, this day. Mr. Reid condemned the Government's preference in ironical terms. Mr. Deakin repudiated the insinuation that he had been related to the present opposition in England, directly or indirectly. It was because of the closed doors of the Conference that he and his colleague had turned to open doors. If ever there was a body that had a right to appeal to the people it was that Conference. Unless it took place in full sight of the people of England and Australia it would fail in its aim, and it had failed in its aim. Anyone -who would refer to speeches made at outside gatherings, continued the Prime Minister, would find they were on subjects treated by the Conference, so that without any breach of confidence something was given to the public of what was taking place. So strong, however, was the Little Englander feeling that it was only at the last minute, after having shut, banged, and barred the door against Imperial union for Imperial ends, that an offer was made to accept a meaningless resolution, which they declined to take. As to the All-Red route,- although their own interests were small,'continued Mr. Deakin, he had supported it on account of iis Imperial character. He believed that the preference proposal, incomplete as it was, and immature as it must be, was the best that could be done, and was an instalment in -that sense. The debate was adjourned.