PREFERENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13289, 18 May 1907, Page 5

PREFERENCE.

SIR W. J- LYNE'S VIEWS.

Copyright—May 17, 9.27 a.m. - LONDON, May 16.

Sir W. J. Lyne, who was interviewed, said he considered that the Imperial Government had adopted a callous: attitude in regard to - preference, but he, hopes the discussion will make British people .seriously consider the question. He is doubtful whether there will be good results from a Secretariat worked by the Colonial Of-, fice. Until the Australians had a coast fleet in reality it would be better for the Admiralty to maintain the existing squadron in Australian waters. He regrefoed that the Conference did not' consider what Pacific Islands, ought to be included in the jurisdiction of the Australian coastal trade. Sir W. J. Lyne addressed a crowded mee-tino- of the London Chamber of Commerce. 0 He promised a hearty welcome to all visiting Australia in 1909. He complained of Mr Asquith's re-asserting the fiction that the Premiers demanded preference in raw materials required-for British manufactures. Sir W. J. Lyne insisted that Britain's trade with Australia was not increasing with the same rapidity as that of foreigners. He dwelt on the unparalleled' prosperity in Australia, and was enthusiastically applauded. The "Westminster Gazette'' comments on Mr Deakin's and Dr Jameson's statevery severelv, and asks whether ; ,t is fair that 4O;60O,00O people in the United Kingdom rhould be coered by appeal to their patriotism to the Empire into submitting to taxation to benefitColonial- farmers who are alreay prosperous. Do the Colonies wish democratic statesm-sn to make cause with the Conservative ' a,nti-democratic parties, and further a policy which will raise the price of the necessaries of' life? Freedom 13 creator than ■ freetrade. England never attempted to force her policy upon the self-governing colonies.