LORD NORTHCOTE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 412, 22 January 1909, Page 5

LORD NORTHCOTE.

AUSTRALIA AND THE FISCAL ISSUE. (DH TELEUEAPB—ftIESS ASSOCIATION—COPTItI3BT.I . ' London, January 20. Continuing his speech at the banquet tendered to him, at Whitehall,' Lord Northcote, said that, whatever the merits or demerits of Mr. Deakin's defence scheme, it ought to be recognised as unselfish inasmuch as it assumed larger obligations than \were imposed under the old agreement. ..'■< ' . . Regarding the fiscal question, , without entering into, controversies, the speaker emphasised tho fact that Australia was growing protectionist, and was determined to protect her manufactures against; outside competition; therefore, ■ it was impossible to anticipate 'tho establishment of anything resembling a. commercial. Zollvereki'. (Or'' Customs Union) between Britain and the colonies as far as Australia was concerned; on the basis of equal access to colonial markets;. ■ Lord Norfchcote eulogised the grim pluck Australia : h'ad shown in the development of the country. The relations between '• capital and labour'might be considerably improved, but ho had no desire to be a censor of a oountry receiving -him with so much kind-, ness and generosity. It was desirable that, more public men should : visii : Australia ■ and study the colonies. /. V;. .'.' ; ;: <■. ' ' ~ln:poncluding-, Lord;,Northcote spoke of .the! . great. advantage., ihftf vnpould' ; -accrue., to the! Empire, if the' Colonial :;O,ffice arranged :'for. an interehange'.6f.;'pfflcials;".allowing;Epme , of ■ its' staff to-take sorvico in the oolonie.s.V-V ■■'■''■■.' ; The.. Hon. Ai Lyttelton! proposed "The Chairman" (Lorfl.Crewe, , Secretary-for the' Colonies)', who, in responding, promised to consider the- possibility of dn interchange, of. officials.. . . ..' ' '...- : :