THE COMMERCE CONGRESS.

West Coast Times, 17 June 1912, Page 3

THE COMMERCE CONGRESS.

THE QUESTION OF IMPERIAL DEFENCE. THE DECLARATION OF LONDON CONDEMNED. r-yrn PRESS ASSOCIATION.- -COPYRIGHT. LONDON, June 14. At the Chamber of Commerce Congress, the Montreal Chamber’s motion on the question of defence,which was withdrawn, is supposed to represent the French Canadian view which claimed the privilege of keeping its own iniative as to the help Canada might offer the Empire in case of necessity.

Mr. Hedge (Wcstralia) said that Australia was carrying out a scheme of defence on a greater scale than any other Dominion had ever undertaken, and if the other oversea dominions acted similarly the Empire would have a greater navy and army than the most optimistic dream ever pictured

of. Mr. Swinburne (Melbourne) moved in favour of a modification of the Declaration of London, and said the Congress should emphatically condemn the proposal, lest it be re-introduced in the British Parliament.

Mr Paxton, Sydney, defended the Declaration.

The motion was carried, Mr. Paxton being the only dissentient. All the representatives of the Imperial Trade Commission, excepting New Zealand’s, were present. Aier concluding the investigations the Commission visits Australia, arriving in February.

EMPIRE DEFENCE DISCUSSED. LONDON, June 13. Tim Commerce Congress discussed the desirability of Empire co-operation in national defence, and urged the Government to agree to a practical scheme at an early date. In consequence of the Congress making a strong dissent, tho Montreal delegation withdrew a motion to the effect that the dominions were doing their part by devoting their revenue to tho development of their own resources.

Major Corrigan of Wellington, said that New Zealand’s demand for compulsory training was not connected with parties. It was due to the people handed by the press. The Hon. Mr. Jenkins, formerly Agent-General of South Australia, said that if Britain adopted the Australian system it would have 3,000,000 trained lads.

LONDON, June 15. The Commerce Congress adopter! the Manchester Chamber cf Com-

merce's resolution asking that the

next Imperial Conference remove the hardships of duplicated claims on the in different parts of the Empire, Mr. Meeks (Sydney) proposed and Mr. Alcock (Sydney) seconded; “That Bills of Lading should set ont the fact that the freight had been paid. Under the present position, sometimes it was to pay freight twice, before the goods could be obtained. This was carried. Mr. Meek's motion that government or municipal undertakings, such as eas, electric lighting and tram compaines should publish their annual balances, was adopted.

To-day yon can see tho latest Antumirand winter goods at W. McKay and Son s. Our London buyer has secured special bargains in 54 inch Costume Cloths m greens and navys the nsna! price 4s Cd, wo are able to sell at 2s 6d per yard Tho new Chev.'jt Seygcs 3s 6d yard. Colours, browns greens, navy etc. W. McKay and Son! tha Loading Drapers, Hokitika and Groymouth.— Advt.