Imperial Trade Preference

Southland Times, Issue 19089, 3 July 1903, Page 2

Imperial Trade Preference

DIVERSE VIEWS. Per United Press Association. By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. LONDON, J-uly 1. The South Wales Iron and Steel Workers' Sliding Scale Committee has adopted a resolution supporting Mr Chamberlain and recommending a reasonable alteration placing the iron and steel industries on an equality with competitors abroad. Lord Carrington presided at an uigency meeting of the National Liberal Club, when a resolution was adopted viewing Mr Chamberlain's proposals with alarm. Earl (2 rev asserted that the present suspense was unfair to the country and could not last. Sir Charles Dilke said the issue was so stupendous that if the Radicals were unable to sweep the country ou this question he would ho willing to support a government of Freetraders and Tories in coalition. Tho country must tell Mr Chclmberlain it would not consent to a tax on food, and tell Mr Balfour that, while the cry for retaliation might mislead Hie unwary, if they built a wall of protection they would introduce under tho shelter of that wall protected industries, which the country would never get rid of. Although IT>O Unionist Commoners favour the fiscal enquiry, 50 per cent, of the party, chiefly representing combined urban atid rural constituencies, decline at present to participate either in concerted movements or in the electoral campaign during' the recess. LONDON, July 12. Received 2nd. 11.99 p.m. The Council of the Colonial Institute unanimously concurred that the suggested Imperial fiscal relations should be thoroughly examined. IN ANOTHER CAMP. Received 3rd, 0.02 a.m. The Right Hon. H.'Hobhouse, presiding nt a meeting of ~>l free trade Unionist Commoners, explained that the aim was to assist the (Jovernuient and to ensure a frank and fair enquiry. A committee was appointed to -examine into the probable effect of the suggested changes on the unity of the Empire and the social und industrial welfare of tho United Kingdom, and explain tm tlie country the objections to protective taxation on imports. Sir M. HicksReach stated that the meeting wished to save the party from a crushing defeat. The conference of Unionists on the 2-1 th ult. was evidently organised by Protectionists. Mr Chamberlain's scheme, if adopted, would provoke a strong struggle between -'olonial and home interests. He criticised the proposals with a view ti showing the impracticability of com pensating consumers for the increased cost of food by readjusting tht tea. sugar and tobacco duties. Viscount lloschen doubted whether Mi Chamberlain would be able to sweeji the country, so many Unionist members being against him. He denounced Mr Chamberlain's fiscal policy as most dangerous and urged Ok necessity for restricting the enquiry to .stutisticul information Inning tlu (lovernment stamp ; private compilation was not sufficient authority. Liberal free trade Commoners have formed a committee of their colleagues associated with commerce to secure adequate ventilation of views connected with the present controversy.

The Lubour Party hus now a big savin all political movements, And if it governs wisely, may Make many great improvements ; We hope to have some better laws. Ami better health, that sure ; ]f you feel HI, a cold the cause, Take— WOODS' CHEAT PEPPERMINT CUKt For comfort and easy riding invest ii a "Daisy" road cart— Pike only £11 10s. Morrow, Bussett <k Co., Dunedut.