BRITISH PREFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 7330, 7 June 1913, Page 2

BRITISH PREFERENCE.

In the “Quarterly Review,” Edward Derritt explains the forces that have ocon working against preference since it was first, adopted in Canada, and also the that have combined since 1005 to secure its maintenance, and if possible to extend it and widen the market for British Empire products in the Canadian Dominion. The interests hostile to preference jure those of the manufacturers. Consumers generally tire heartily in favour of it; but the only organised forces that have mettle any light for it are the farmers of Ontario and the graingrowers of tile three Western provinces. The grain growers will become a much stronger factor in Dominion politics after (he redistribution of electoral power that is now due'following the census of DUO, The prairie provinces, which now have twenty-seven members in the House of ; Commons, are likely to have .at least forty-two after redistribution, agd, however much (he manufacturers might press for iurther curtailment of preference and for increases in the duties in the general list, aav Governtiicnt, D'oiiservative or Liberal, must Ray heed to the growing demand of Hie ftest for 1 ower duties in the general tarill, and for the increase of the British preference lo lit'ty per cent. Gahada for half a century has been much influenced by the tariff legislalloTi 'Ot the LtuUd States. 1| mav now bh assumed that duties in the American tariff have reached their 1

climax. 'I ho tendency is now in the direction o( lower duties; and any general reduction in the duties in the American tariff, • such 'as is expected at-the coming revision, will renlct on Canada and strengthen the demand for freer trade with the United States and for further reductions in the duties on imports from Great Britain and the Colonies.