Lake Wakatip Mail. QUEENSTOWN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,1903. PREFERENTIAL TRADE — ITS EFFECT ON COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2479, 21 August 1903, Page 4

Lake Wakatip Mail. QUEENSTOWN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,1903. PREFERENTIAL TRADE ITS EFFECT ON COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

The preferential tariff question now exercising the minds of statesmen throughout the British Empire, is a subject fraught with such importance to us here in New Zealand that we should pause and consider seriously to what extent the industries now established in this colony would be affected by some of the proposed changes in the fiscal policy of Great Britain and New Zealand. The subject is of too vital importance to admit of sentiment. We can be loyal and patriotic towards the Home Country and can give practical proof when necessity arises. The late South African War demonstrates that fact; but, when our means of sustenance—our industries—are threatened, it becomes imperative that sentiment be set asida and the question of preferential tariff viewed in every possible aspect before committing thi? colony in any form whatever. The subject has not been sufficiently considered even by our Legislature to warrant that body in taking any definite action until the whole question, in all its bearings, has been thoroughly ventilated throughout the colony. On this subject, the vapourings of the Chambers of Commerce in the .arious centres should be closely watched. These institutions, as a rule, are composed of members who in no sense represent the voice of the great majority in New Zealand on the question of preferential tariff. British commerce ia suffering from the competition of America, Germany, etc., a fact which we no doubt regret, but to suggest a partial remedy by reducing our tariff and making New Zealand the dumping ground for the products I

of British sweated labour would be suicidal. The prosperity enjoyed in New Zealand is to be attributed in a great measure to the manufacturing industries we possess. Give the agricultural and pastoral interests credit for all they are worth in promoting prosperity —and they have contributed very materially—the manufacturing industries must be acknowledged as indispensable in the future of New Zealand, if, however, concessions are made in the shape of a preferential tariff to Great Britain, every precaution should be taken to prevent such concessions culminating in the strangling of our industries. If such should be the issue of preferential tariff the process is none the less acceptable to us because of its being accomplished by our own kith and kin.