HOME AND FOREIGN CABLES

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8293, 23 September 1903, Page 1

HOME AND FOREIGN CABLES

[Bx Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] Per' Pbess Association. Received September 22, at 10.48 p.m. London, September 22. The St. James' Gazette authoritatively declares that Mr Chamberlain discountenances the formation of a party hostile to Mr Balfour, though prepared to seek. the mandate of the people on preferential tariffs. •Believing tliat a serious decline may take placa in colonial trade, he considers it impossible to submit a cut-and-dried scheme without negotiating with the colonies and foreign, countries. Probably a two shilling duty on corn, 5 per cent, on meat and dairy produce and partly manufactured goods, and an average of 10 per cent, on wholly manufactured would suffice. The taxes on tea and sugar would be taken out. The colonies have already announced that they are willing.to meet Britain if afforded a small preference. Germany and France and other protectionist countries have already assured Britain that they are ready to negotiate if the duties are imposed. It is more than probable that Mr Chamberlain will visit -Canada, Australia, and South Africa, if the country sanctions the scheme. It is hinted that preference will be conceded to Australian meats and wines.'