THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 105, 7 May 1907, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Press Opinions

Press Association—Copyright. London, May 4. The Economist says that Mr Deakin failed to indicate what advantage tho Motherland would receive by adopting colonial preference. The Economist fails to see how England would benefit by the expansion of Australian export trade if obtained by passing a self-denying ordinance against foreign goods. Before making a definite offer of preference Australia seems to be waiting to learn what the Motherland is going to offer. Premiers at Manchester. Mr Winston Churchill and Captain Guest, representing the Colonial Office, accompanied Sir Joseph Ward, Sir Robert Bond, Mr Moor, and Mr Botha to Manchester, where they were presented with the Freedom of the City at the Town Hall. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon. The speeches emphasised the necessity of developing the trade between Lancashire and the colonies. Sir Joseph Ward made an earnest appeal for reciprocity, warning his hearers not to neglect German competition. Received May 6, 9.38 p.m. London, May 6. The Manchester reception was wonderfully enthusiastic. The Mayor, in presenting the Premiers with the freedom of the city, stated that two millions within a radius of ten miles watched the proceedings with the deepest sympathy and interest. The ceremony was not only a personal tribute but also proof of affectionate and broteerly feeling towards oversea communities.

Sir Joseph Ward, on behalf of the Premiers, acknowledged the extraordinary demonstrative welcome, which the colonies warmly reciprocated. There was scarcely a family in the United Kingdom without relations in the great colonies. The recipients did not regard the presentation of the freedom as an empty form, but as an emblem of the affectionate regard a world-famed city felt for oversea communities. Such events increased the colonists' pride that they were living under a glorious flag representing strength, power, and freedom.

The Mayor proposed the toast of "Our Guests " at the luncheon.

Sir Joseph Ward, in responding, said he regretted time did not permit them to visit the canal which brought Manchester in direct contact with the shipping and commerce of the woHd. New Zealand was able to testify to the advantages of direct trade with a famous centre of commerce. Mr Seddon, his distinguished predecessor, worked , incessantly to ensure direst communication and nobody had done more to strengthen the ties of Empire. It was vitally necessary that both .the Motherland and the colonies should develop trade and nothing ought to be left undone to secure closer trade union. While it was possible to admire Germany's energetic efforts to acquire trade abroad, yet if the British flag was to remain in the ascendant as carriers it would be unwise to ignore the endeavours of Continental rivals to usurp British trade. British merchants ought to Bupport British shipping everywhere, thereby placing trade on a sounder basis. He emphasized the universal kindness shown to the Premiers by all parties. Though preference had not succeeded at the Conference the Premiers fully recognised Britain's right to control her own fiscal policy just as the colonies exercised a similar right in their 1 territories. He denied that the Premiers had experienced any rudeness.