EMPIRE COMMERCE PARLIAMENT

West Coast Times, 14 June 1912, Page 2

EMPIRE COMMERCE PARLIAMENT

QUESTION or*A lIBCITBOCAU TAMEF.

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LONDON, Juno 13,

Speaking before the Empire Chambers of Commerce Congress, Sir Albert Spicer, Bart., Liberal Member for Hackney, declared tliat Australia made it clear that she did not want tariff concessions which wero nob in Britain’s own interest. There was no human possibility of the British electors agreeing to tax the food for the benefit of the Overseas Dominions.

Mr. E. Trcadwjn (Australia) urged that it was the duty of the Motherland to listen to tho voice of the colonies in tho matter of preference.

The London Chamber’s motion in favour of tho enforcement in one part of tho Empire of arbitration awards and judgments in another part was carried.

Mr. Hodges (Westralia) asked what was the good of asking for legislation to enforce awards in other parts of tho Empire when they wore unablo to force their own country. Industrial awards in Australia wero openly flouted by the men.

BRILLIANT ASSEMBLAGE OF IMPERIALISTS. LONDON, June 13.

Three hundred wore present at the Chambers of Commerce Congress banquet. Tho Rt. Hon. Louis V. Harcourf (Colonial Secretary) presided. The Rt. Hon. Sir George Reid, replying to the toast “Imperial Forces” said ho would like to seo tho army increased by partial conscription. The only satisfactory Way of establishing Colonial Navies was by\ monetary contribution to tho Imperial Government, tho latter employing vessels equivalent to tho contribution solely in peace time in tho waters of the contributing to Dominion and they would bo available in wartime for tho Empire service.

Tho Hon, Sydney Buxton, replying to the toast “Parliament” referred to tlie satisfactory results of Trade Commissioners in the Dominion's. Referring to industrial unrest tho Minister said ho hoped tho colonies and friends would assist tho Motherland to bring capital and labour to work together for the common good. Sir Algernon Firth, replying to the Chambers of Commerce toast said that over £200,000,000 Britrsb capital had boon exported last year. Whereas £30,000,000 wont to Canada, only £3,500,000 wont to Australia, Mr. J. M. Paxton (Sydney) said tho presence of foreign powers at no great distance demanded Australia’s watchfulness,and tho necessity for tho founding of their own navy for training tho youth.