The Preference of Trade

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume V, Issue 1217, 7 January 1905, Page 3

The Preference of Trade

* Chamberlain's Visit to ftiisti alia Press Association.—Copyright. A Sydney, this day, fifit. CHAMisERtiiN, in ft letter replying to the Chamber of Manufacturers' invitation to visit Australia, and the assurances of continued support, says: "I think i' would be promaturo to contemplate a visit until wo are neater a successful result in this country. Tbe agitation in tho colonies ought to bo followed by immediate action,here, and until wo can promise that it would be unfair to our friends and supporters that I should attempt prematurely to oil I forth an enthusiasm which would be Fuceoeded by reaction it the Mother Country did not immediately respond." He hopes, howovor, that although postponed for the present, the visit may be possible before very long, and says he believes that when tho British' peoplo aro convinced that kinsmen in tho colonies desire commercial prelerence its tho first step towards closer union of tho Empire, and they are prepared to meet ths Mother 1 Country on mutually advantageous arrangements, the peoplo will insist on opening negoiiations with this object. AUSTRALIAN' TREATY, WITH FOREIGNERS. A SILLY UTTERANCE. l'ress Association.—Copyright, Melbouene, this day. Mr H" ; <i I'hamctorisos Mr Granger's cabled h atemetit about Australia making a coinmertial treaty with souio oilier Power as one uf the silliest utterances ever undo by Aiistinlian Agents-General, and lliat was sni'ii; a great deal. It wits inconceivable ilmi iln' Commonwealth would nmke a eomiuerfiul trenty with any Power oth'-r than Britain. We should not be obliviom of the fact that Britain keeps her ports open to the products of Australia. Mr. Chamberlain, in his letter, says that tho statements so freely mado of those whose interest, is the wrlfuro of the Empire as a ivliole Inii always been ol a doubtful quality. Ho adds: ' The statement that tho colonies aro selfishly seeking their own advantage, and wliilo demanding great sacrifices from us would make no adequate return, is a libel upon all our followrabjects across tho soa. The Unionist party has been a poWdr for an exceptional period, and the Opposition consequently had boon impatient to take tlieir places; and, ■■- ik ing for myself. I shall not be sorry it the ordinary swing of the pemnllum gives them tho opportunity ot showing what really is tho character of tlieir alternative policy. I know thai ihe people of this cougtry are imperi.il people, and will not long consent to bo governed by Little England ideas, A short time of opposi - , tion would invigorate and unite our own party, and thGn, with their return to power, I should look forward to tho triumph of our policy as a question of months rather than years."