IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XVII, Issue 528, 23 February 1917, Page 4

IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

COMMISSION'S REPORT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received 5.5 p.m., Feb, 22nd. LONDON, Fell. 21. The ''Manchester Guardian” states that ibei recommendations of Lord Balfour of Burleigh’s Committee concern Britain more than the Dominions. “Wo should not have thought it credible that any British Government would endeavour to transform the traditional practice before the nation had assented. It would have boon' better if the Committee had pursued their inquiries and given reasoned conclusions. Their o'oscnre recommendations would moan a rcvolutioh involving Groat Britain and tire Dominions.” Tho “Guardian” believes that the policy suggested would make tho chances of suffering among British workers even more perilous after tho war than before it. MR, MASSEY AND SIR JOSEPH WARD INTERVIEWED. Mr M assoy, interviewed'' on the report of the Committee, said it was an important indication of the change of public opinion brought about by the war. The Dominions would welcome the report in the hope that it would bo given effect to by legislation in the near future, especially as it was a measure of justice to overseas citizens. It would promote unity and make the Empire independent of foreign countries with regard to food stuffs. Sir Joseph Ward said that after fifteen years advocacy of Imperial preference he was highly gratified at tho report, which reflected tho views of the opposite shades of opinions on free trade and protection represented in the committee’s personnel. It was inconceivable that tho Motherland or the oversea Dominions should ever again ho a party to the restoration of pre-war conditions. The war had demonstrated that the Empire was now one great household.