PREFERENTIAL TRADE CONSIDERATIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 148, 27 June 1902, Page 1

PREFERENTIAL TRADE CONSIDERATIONS.

Press Association. Electric Telegraph. Copyright. London, June 25, At the United Empire Trade League's luncheon Mr James Lowther was in the chair. Lord Halsbury proposed the toast of " The Empire's Trade." Mr Barton, in responding to the toast, said that the King's illness was grievous and pathetic at a time when general rejoicing should cause a wave of emotion throughout the world. He deprecated the idea of unduly considering outside nations in connection with trade problems affecting the common interest of the Empire. In the event of an emergency similar to the South African trouble, Australians were prepared to do more than heretofore, Mr Seddon also spoke. He said that lost British trade ought to be attracted back to British channels. New Zealand's offer of a preference tariff without asking a return represented 3 per cent, upon five millions worth of trade. This was not an unimportant consideration if devoted to strengthening the navy. He declared that freetrade throughout the Empire was impossible, owing to financial considerations. Failing Fifi being controlled by the Commonwealth or New Zealand, Mr Seddon advocates the introduction of an elective element into its government similar to Ceylon.