Premiers' Conference.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7352, 21 July 1902, Page 4

Premiers' Conference.

(Press Association —Copyright.) liokdon. July 19. Mr Chamberlain presided at the Conferonce. Lord Onslow, Sir Montague Ornmaney, Gerald Balfour, Earl LcndUy, Francis Hopwood, Alfred Bateman aud Sir Robert Griffon also attended. Tbo comraireinl tr-ido relations, cspeoiiilly the fiscal questions and prospects of preferential tariffs between the Mother Land and the colonies, and between the colonies themselves, w<-ra debated, nnd occupied tho whole of tho sitting. Mr Hcddon moved his Preferential Trade resolution. Sir Edmund Barton submitted a resolution in general terms, affirming that it is desiriiblo to establish closer trndo relations between the colonies and the Motherland. Ho indicated syujpaihj with preferential relations without pledging Australia to givo such a concession in the itnniediato future. Ho implied that such an arrangement must bo left to the initiative of each Government and Legislature, which must work out its own de.-tiny. The discussion preceded amicably. Mr Chamberlain modified his previous attitude, and made- a non-committal statement. Ho said the Government recognised tho difficulties, and d-sired to proceed cautiously. Ho also said that it was impossible (or oao Government to biud its successors in regard to fisoal policy. His remarks suggested a willingness to meet colonial concession;; by liberal subsidies and bounties for objects of common interest. Tho formation of definite proposals on tho question have reserved.

The Conference has adjourned until Tuesday. .