LORD JERSEY’S REPORT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1188, 7 December 1894, Page 35

LORD JERSEY’S REPORT.

London, December 1. The Earl of Jersey, British delegate to the Ottawa Conference, states in his report to the Imperial Government that the proposals of the Conference are sound, practical, and of great Imperial advantage. He advises a generous consideration of the recommendations of the Conference at the hands of the Imperial Government. AUSTRALIA AND THE DIFFERENTIAL TRADE QUESTION. ' Lord Jersey asserts that so far as he can see there is no serious objection to the proposal that the disability by which Australia is prevented from entering ’ into differential relations with other British colonies should be removed. Great Britain, he thinks, might consider whether it is possible, without interfering with present treaties, to induce Belgium and Germany to abrogate the clauses refraining the colonies in this matter. He considers that Great Britain is unable at present to accept the preferential agreement with the colonies, because it would create a new Customs barrier against foreign produce. CANADIAN-AUSTRALIAN ROUTE. Referring to the Canadian-Australian route, he says the requisite subsidy of .£75,000 from the Imperial Government could easily be provided by diverting half of the mail poundage from the New York lines to the Canadian route plus the Admiralty subvention for steamers to act as cruisers in time of war. He declares the danger of fogs and icebergs to be exaggerated, and he speaks in the highest terms of the foresight and patriotism of the Dominion of Canada in granting the

! subsidy. The success or failure of the 1 scheme, Earl Jersey thinks, must depend ! on Australian action, j the pacific cable. j He admits the strategical and commercial advantages of the proposed Pacific cable, but refrains from recommending it. ! He recognises the great enterprise of the i Eastern Cable Company, but does not I admit they are entitled to a cable monopoly in Australia. '