PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8014, 9 December 1904, Page 5

PREFERENTIAL TRADE.

Mr Deakin's Motion.

(Received Last Night, at 10.8 p.m.) Melbourne, Yesterday. In the House ot Representatives today Mr Deakin moved his previously noticed resolutions in favour of preferential trade. Ho said that as tho opportunity to move in the matter had only been available during the last days of tho session, he,had framed his motion so as to disarm his critics as far as possiblo in order that tho opinion of tho people in favour of preference might bo officially placed on record. He recognised that as they proceeded with tlie matter their paths would separate, but all might agree so far as the motion proposed to go. He frankly pointed not to where the matter began, but to where it would end. After dealing with the advantages of preference to the Empire, he said it had become necessary that those whoso view was chiefly bounded by a bread-and-butter horizon should realise what they owed tho Empire, in order that they might realise what the Empire owed them. Canada had already made a commercial treaty with France. If that princjplo were generally adopted, tho trade of tho British dominions would soon bo bound up in ioreign shipping and interests in a way that would not make for the unity of the Empire. Preference was only possible by mutual sacrifices for mutual benefits. They could start in a small, experimental way; and once started the system would develop. Referring to Canada and Cape Colony having already granted preference, ho added, that, New Zealand, under the guidance of that broad-minded statesman, Mr Seddon, had recently given preference. Ho had written to Mr Seddon asking the effect, and he had replied that the imports in 1904 were less than 1900, but the British imports had increased as against the foreign. Ho hoped Mr Reid, next session, would see his way to introduce a Bill or give an opportunity for someone to do so. He urged the llouso to accept the motion in a broad national spirit.

Mr J. C. Watson, Labour Leader, seconded the motion and the debate was adjourned.