THE EMPIRE'S TRADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXII, Issue 13574, 21 October 1904, Page 5

THE EMPIRE'S TRADE.

PREFERENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA. TARIFF REFORM. "United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. CAPE TOWN, October 19. Mr Sinartt, speaking at Fort Beaufort, said that all the South African colonies favoured preference, not only so far as South Africa was concerned, but throughout the Empire, to promote the Empire's consolidation and unification, which is the ide-al of those who are working for preference. THE WEST MONMOUTH ELECTION. LONDON, October 19. The' "Standard" says that Sir John Cockburn, the candidate for Weeb Monmouth, is a Radical who "goes the whole hog ' as an unbending Protectionist, and since Mr Richards, the Labour nominee, is also a tariff reformer and a Unionist, bitter voting will ensue. The "Times" says that Sir John Cockburn's candidature abolishes the sedulously fostered idea that the colonies are not in earnest in regard to tariff reform. ■SPEECH BY SIR EDWARD GREY. (Received October 20, 11.53 p.m.) LONDON, October 20. Sir Edward Grey, speaking at Selby, said that if the Motherland consented to tax food, she would expect the colonies to reduce the taxes on British goods, for the purpose of establishing inter-imperial freetrade. He welcomed any conference with the colonies that would make them feel partners with Britain in the management of the. Empire. If the colonics then wished to discuss the fiscal question, let it be discuesed, but the calling of a conference to discuss the fiscal question only, for the purpose of asking for lower duties on British goods, when the colonies declare that they are unable to afford it, was bound to cause friction in Imperial unity. A FEDERAL COMMISSION, ." MELBOURNE, October 20. The Federal Government has decided to appoint a. Royal Commission, composed of business men. There will be no politicians on the Commission, which will be composed of men of moderate fiscal views. It will investigate the working of the tariff. Mr Isaacs will likely base an attack on the Government over the appointment of- the Commission.