PROTECTION FOR CANADA.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18399, 4 June 1925, Page 9

PROTECTION FOR CANADA.

MOTION IN COMMONS. OPPOSITION LEADER'S SPEECH. (IT CAM.I--PKE3S ASSOCIATION—COrnjOBT.) (AMTSALIAX AJfD V.Z. CABLE AS3OCIATIO*.) (Received June 3rd, 7.5 p.m.) OTTAWA, June 2. The Opposition Leader, Mr Arthur Meigiicn. in the- House of Commons, moved a resolution containing the essential articles of tho Conservative platform as an amendment to the motion to go into Committee of Supply. The resolution, asks the House to affirm that Canada, in view of world conditions, requires an immediate revision of the tariff on a definitely protective basis. Regarding Empire preference, the resolution, while admitting the principle, declares that goods should bo brought :n through Canadian pons, but only when such imports do not interfere with the prosperity of Canadian working men. It also asks for the appointment of a Tariff Commission. Mr Meighnn said free trade might possibly be acceptable if all the nations abandoned their efforts to spread themselves throughout the earth, but even if the nations agreed that natural law should . operate, he was doubtful whether free trade would be a success so far as Canada was concerned. It was better that each nation should see to it that a diversity of industry was maintained within its own borders. Tf Labour were a purchaseable commodity in the world markets, to which all industries had access, then free competition might be possible. Labour conditions in tho United States were immediately reflected in Canada, and if the latter did not respond, Canadian Labour would always drift to the conntry where higher wages were obtainable. BIG MAJORITY AGAINST MOTION. (Received June 3rd, 11.25 p.m.) OTTAWA, Juno 2. The Commons defeated the motion by Mr Meighen (Conservative leader) calling for the immediate revision of the tariff on a definitely and consistently Protective basis. The voting was; — For the motion 37, against 147, majority against 110. AUSTRALIAN TREATY. DIFFICULTY WITH FARMERS. ("Argus.") (Received June 3rd, 7.5 p.m.) OTTAWA, June 2. The Australian agreement is now one of the chief subjects for discussion in political circles. It is felt that the Australian representative, Mr Rose,, will barely have time to complete negotiations for the matter to be dealt \vith during the present session of Parliament, and reports, are widely circulated here that if it is not done this session tlhere is a possibility that Australia will withdraw from tho negotiations. It is now generally admitted that the 75 pot cent, clause does not furnish the real hitch, which is caused by the Western farmers, who constitute tho Progressive Party, and who, while free traders in principle, nevertheless resent the reduction in the protection on agricultural products which the agreement concedes to Australia, and have served notice ou the Grovernment that they will not accept the agreement uiulef those conditions. It is understood that Mr Ri»ss carries proposals to the Australian Government which will secure to Australia all tho reductions on agricultural products.