THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12415, 26 July 1902, Page 7

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Views op the colonies. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, July 25. (Received July 20, nfcfo.lß a.m.) The Imperial Conference' will probably close next week. There is no probability of any attempt being made to niter the political relations of the colonies to the Empire, as this is considered unnecessary and inopportune. It is probable a non-eammittnl resolution will lie adopted favouring a general concession of preferential treatment to British goods to such an extent and way as the individual colonial rarliameiits determine. No one suggested that Britain should alter the existing fiscal system. (Received July 20, at 0,52 a.m.) It is believed Australasia is not unwilling to contribute about £220,0Q0 towards a stronger modern auxiliary squadron, without undertaking additional direat military responsibilities, though improved Federal land defences. A triennial Imperial Conference is favoured, provided the parliamentary situations will permit.

Mr Chamberlain's tactful guidance of the conference is much admired, (Received July 2G, at 0.58 a.m.) Sir E, Barton's position is that while any arrangement respecting preferential treatment remains tho decision of half a dozen autonomous colonies the essence of such an arrangement is that each party should determine the nature and extent of its preferential treatment. Mr .Chamberlain hinted, and the Premiers conourred, that Britain was able to reciprocate by means of increased mail and cable subsidies, increased facilities for the shipping industry, including a remission of harbour ues, wider facilities for docking, repairing, coaling, and in other ways, without placing direct disabilities upon foreign trade; such increased trading facilities lo be applicable as between groups of colonies as wel! as the colonics and the Motherland.

There is an impvessi.on that Canada is willing to extend more advantages in the way of preferential relations In return for the liberal mail subsidies to Atlantic aud Pacific steamers.