IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 February 1917, Page 2

IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

COMMITTEE' S BEPO.R T.

VIEWS OF DOMINION LEADERS.

• I’RESS COMMENT,

.LONDON, February 21, Kt. Hon. W, F. Massey interviewed stated that the report of’Lord Balfour of Burleigh’s Committee was an important indication of the change of public opinion brought about bv the war. The Dominions would welcome I*o report in the hope that it would by legislation be given effect to in the near future, especially as it was a measu re of justice-to the overseas citiztns. It would promote unity and make' the Empire independent of foreign countries ,in regard to foodstuffs. /

Sir Joseph Ward said that after fifteen years' advocacy of, Imperial preference, he was highly gratified at tiie report which reflected the views ‘of opposite shades of opinion on free trade and protection as represented in the committee's personnel. It was inconceivable that the Motherland and the Overseas Dominions would ever again 'be a party to the restoration of pre-war conditions. The'war had demonstrated that the Empire was now one great household.

lit. Hon. W. Jr. Massey lias accepted an invitation to address the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on the' expansion of New Zealand trade after the war. •

The “Manchester Guardian” states: Lord Balfour of Brrleigh’s Committee’s recommendations concern Britain more than the Dominions. We should not have thought it credible that any British Government would endeavour to transform a traditional practice before the nation had assented. It would have been better for the Committed to have pursued-enquiries and given, reasons for its conclusion. The Committee’s obscure recommendations mean a resolution involving Great Britain. We must have protection instead of free trade for the Empire, and preference instead, of an open market for our Allies. Double tariff for neutrals and triple tariff for enemy countries are even mentioned. . The Committee suggests. and then seetns ashamed for suggesting, that the proopsals are a reward to. the Dominions for their war services, but the Allies have done something. ■ Even if Britain, lias made a war contribution to them, they should not be sacrificed. The “Guardian” believes , that the policy of taking up the Imperial causewould make the chances of suffering ' arhoi\g British ' workers’ even, more perilous than before thp war.