TARIFF REFORM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8995, 4 December 1907, Page 5

TARIFF REFORM.

I MR CHAMBERLAIN'S VIEWS. Received December 3, 7.26 a.m. LONDON, December 2. Mr Joseph' Chamberlain, writing to the West Birmingham Unionist Association, says ho hopes before long to resume his place in the front rank of the fight for Unionism, and the policy wherefor it now stands. He is, he remarks, more than ever convinced that the country's future depends on tariff reform. None would profit more than the workers, who are at present called upon to fight competitors at a disadvantage—with their hands tied behind their backs. FRANCO-CANADIAN CONVENTION. HOW IT WILL AFFECT BRITAIN. Received December 3, 9.13 a.m. LONDON, December 2. Mr W. A. S. Hewins, secretary to the Tariff Commission, states that the Franco-Canadian Convention materially reduces the margin of British preference. If other Continental countries are given the benefit of the intermediate tariff, British trade in the Canadian market will be subjected to far more strenuous competition than at present. THE AUSTRALIAN DUTY ON , WOOLLENS. Received December 3, 7.26 a.m. LONDON, December 2. The President of the Board of Trade (the Right Hon. D. LloydGeorge) recently invited the Huddersfield Chamber of Commerce to give an opinion upon the matter of the Australian duty on woollen goods. The chamber has replied to the effect that in its opinion the increase of the duty on such goods must necessarily be prejudicial to Huddersfield, but, as the chamber recognises the absolute right of the Commonwealth to foster its own industries and judge the- amount of duties necessary, it does not consider it desirable to offer any opinion regarding the duties.