MR. HUGHES' MISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 64, 15 March 1916, Page 5

MR. HUGHES' MISSION.

THE SHIPPING DIFFICULTY. SQUELCHING FREE TRADE. (Received- 9.50 a.m.) LOXDOX, March 14. The Commonwealth Premier (Mr. Wm. Hughes) interviewed Mr. Walter Runciaian (President of the Board of Trade? and leading shipowners concerning a scheme for organising the British mercantile marine, in order to secure the effective utilisation of the tonnage at the disposal of the nation. Hβ is also negotiating proposals for dealing with Australian metals. Opinion in Great Britain inclines to a restriction of the traf6*c between Australia and England in everything excepting essentials. It ia recognised that this will bo. a blow to tho home industries, but people must be prepared to sacrifice luxuries. A drastic restriction of other traffic will enable the more rapid shipment of wheat. It is believed that higher freights are inevitable, owing to the demands for tonnage between the River Plate and.England. The "Globe," referring to Mr. Wm. Hughes' "refreshing -plain speaking," says: "We hope he will force Mr. Asquith and the Free Trade members of the Cabinet to.a decision on the Tariff question. Let Mr. put the unvarnished facts before the Cabinet and compel a decision.- He will have an overwhelming majority of business men in Great Britain behind himl With Canada. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa rallied to his flag the miserable remnant that supports Cobdenisra in the Government must perforce capitulate."