CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CONGRESS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8183, 14 July 1906, Page 5

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CONGRESS.

LONDON, July 12,

The motion idopted at the Chambers of Commerce Congress urging the Governments of tho United Kingdom and of, British oolouias and dependencies to grant each other preferential treatment on a reciprocal basis, aud hoping that the Colonial Conference, - which is to meet next year, would give effect to the principle, has created much interest. The chambers supporting ttie resolution included Blackburn, Bristol, Burnley, Derby, Dublin, Dundee, C'oydon, Halifax, Lail.h, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swansea, Madras and Walsall. All the Australasian chambers supported the motion except Melbourne, Sydney, L-lobart, and Launceston, which with Loudon, Birmingham, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Warrington, and twelve others remained neutral. Among the chambers opposing the motion wore Barnsley, Bradford, Manchester, Oldham, Sunderland, York, Bengal and Bombay. ATTITUDE OF AUSTRALIAN DELEGATUS. Beoeived July 13, 7.26 a.m. LONDON, July 12. Mr Percy M'Arthur, the Sydney delegate, stated that many Australians suspended judgment, not quite knowing what pieterential trade meant. They were also reluctant to assent to any course which, would be inimical and distasteful to the Motherland. VARIOUS OPINIuNS. LONDON, July 12. The Daily Chronicle says tne daemon of the Congress represents au advance in too direction of Mr Chamberlain's proposal, but apparently "preference" is only "protection" under another name. The Timej says the resolution is significant in view of tne recent elections. Apparently the neutrality jf the Melbourne and Sydney Chambers is "benevolent." The Morning Post says it is clear that business men of the Em* pire endorse Cbamberlainism. The Standard asserts the congress' notable resolution is an opportune signal for a demonstration and represents the voice of the Empire. The Daily News says:—"By painting Freetraders as anti-colonist Mr Chamberlain is doing his best to create a coldness between the various parts of the Empire."