THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

Evening Post, Volume LXIII, Issue 153, 28 June 1902, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

MR. SEDDON ON THE CHANCELLOR'S SPEECH. \ [rSIBB ASSOCIATION.! LONDON, 27th June. Mr. Seddon, referring to the speech of Sir Michael Hick»-Beuch, Chancellor of the Exchequer, on the third reading of tuo Finance Bill, has declared that tho Chancellor's attitude in regard t() preferential trade had destroyed the mnin interest of the Conference of Premiers — that is, supposing Sir Michael represents the views of his Government, added Mr. Seddon. OPINION OP THE SYDNEY TELEGRAPH. (Received June 28, 8.12 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Tho Daily Telegraph, commenting on the Imperial Conference, says that from recent speeches of English statesmen and colonial Premiers it becomes moro and moro ovidenit that the differences of opinion which exist in regard to the questions of tho Empire's defence and commercial relations are as hopeless as the material difficulties in the way of them, which as a. matter of fact the advocates, of union have never seriously discussed. With reference to Mr. Seddon's suggestion that New Zealand would bo willing to give British trade preference without asking for any leturn, and thus supply on important money contribution to tho Navy, the Telegraph nays tho obvious commentary is tnat there is nothing to prevent New Zealand giving preference-— no ono has objected or is likely to do so ; but whore is the contribution to tho Navy to como from! If New Zealand gives 'preference to that extent it will not collect duties, but the British Govornment will not get the remitted taxes. How, then, the Navy is to be benontted it is impossible to conjecture, unless New Zenlund shall pay a subsidy to the amount of tho remitted duties.