THE FISCAL ISSUE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1715, 11 January 1905, Page 20

THE FISCAL ISSUE.

AUSTRALIA AND PREFERENCE.

LONDON, January 5. Mr MacDonald, on behalf of the British Labour Representation Committee, has written to Senator Stewart, of Queensland, expressing hearty pleasure at the fact that the Commonwealth Labour party has taken no action in connection with preferential trade, which is receiving the almost unanimous opposition of organised labour in the' Motherland. Mr MacDonald hopes for a continuance of cordial relations between the two parties, and suggests an occasional conference to enable them to agree on matters of Imperial policy. Mr MacDonald has also written to Mr Watson, leader of the Australian Labour party, expressing the hope that whenever the people’s decision on preferential trade is known the Labour parties of all self-governing colonies may work harmoniously on all Imperial questions with the representatives of organised labopr in the Motherland. Mr H. A. Grainger, Agent-General for South Australia, interviewed by a representative of the “Standard,” stated that if England: does not shortly enter into a preferential arrangement with Australia, he believed Australia would make a commercial treaty with some other Power.

SYDNEY, January 6

Mr Chamberlain, in a letter replying to the Chamber of Manufacturers’ invitation t-o visit Australia, and assurances of continued support, says:— “I think it would be premature to contemplate a visit until we are nearer a successful result in this country. Agitation by the colonies ought to be followed by immediate action here, and until we can promise that, it would be unfair to our friends and supporters that I should attempt to prematurely call forth an enthusiasm which would be succeeded by a reaction if the Mother Country did not immediately respond.” Mr Chamberlain has hopes, however, that although postponed for the pre-

sent, a visit may be possible before very long. He declares that when the British people are convinced their kinsmen in the colonies desire commercial preference as a first step to closer union of the Empire, and they are prepared to meet the Mother Country in mutually advantageous arrangements, ho believes the people will insist on opening negotiations with this object in view.