Imperial Unity.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7939, 21 October 1904, Page 5

Imperial Unity.

(By, Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Per Press Association)

LONDON, Oct. 20.

The British Empiro League, at the instance of the Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, passed a resolution that Sir F. Pollock's letters were a thoughtful and weighty contribution to the literature of federation, and invites the branches to fullydiscuss it.

The Right Hon. Sir Edward • Gray (Liberal) speaking at Selby, said that if the Motherland consented to tax food she would expect the.colonies to reduce their tax on British goods.. ;For the purpose of establishing on inter-Imperial Freetrade, he welcomed any conference of the colonies which would make them feel partners with England in the management of the Empire. If the colonies then wished to discuss the fiscal question let it be discussed, but the calling of a conference to discuss fiscal matters only and for the purpose of asking follower duties on British goods when- the colonies declare they are unable to afford it, would be bound to cause friction in the Imperial unity. .

Received Oct. 21, at 8.42 a.m,

LONDON, Oct. 20.

Lord Carrington, speaking at Clackton, said the proposed - Colonial Conference was a mere effort to cover Mr Chamberlain's failure. The Liberals did not object to the conference but they objected to enter into it with their hands tied, and pledged to the cruel proposal to tax food.

Lord Stanley, in a speech at Bolton, declared he would not support the food tax until he became aware of the benefits Britain/would secure. He favours a Colonial Conference.