Imperial Trade

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 5620, 28 May 1914, Page 3

Imperial Trade

SOUTH AFRICA AND PREFER ENCE.

Capetown, May 27. The Land and Income Tax debate in the House of Assembly developed into a discussion on Imperial preference, which Brofessor Fremantle denounced as poisonous. Mr J. X. Merriman, ex-Bremier of Cape Colony, described it as absolutely ludicrous, and a premium on the indifference and laziness of the British manufacturer. General Botha said that if preference were abolished reciprocity would be impossible, and the abolition would do much harm to South Africa. The Herzogites favour the abolition of preference. Mr South gave notice of an amendment to the Bill, deleting the exemption regarding the area of land occupied, and substituting a tax on land not beneficially occupied.

Brofessor Fremantle denounced tariff preference as a badge of slavery which Africans only submitted because they were afraid of being accused of disloyalty. The Herzogites received the remark with cheers.