COMMERCIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 8546, 15 June 1896, Page 1

COMMERCIAL.

Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Per Press Association. London, June 12. The Marquis of Salisbury, replying to a deputation from the Congress of the Chambers of Commerce, who asked for assistance in opening up trade with China, said that the importance of commerce with the Yellow River did not require proof, but at the same time he did not believe the House of Commons would consent to guarantee railways in a foreign country; though the Government were prepared to assist a powerful company in carrying a railway to the edge of British territory. He desired that a railway be extended to the Upper Menam, in China, and hoped that Siam would assist in opening the upper territory, as the assent of China could readily be obtained for entrance into the Yunnan district. The fear of Russian competition northward was unworthy of consideration, as history proved that if England was unable to compete with Russia in the race for markets, then the present must be a degraded generation. The Congress of the Chambers of Commerce has carried a resolution in favour of Imperial penny postage, and has agreed that Western Australia offers a special inducement for immigration. The National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand have declined a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum.