The Preference of Trade

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume V, Issue 1227, 19 January 1905, Page 3

The Preference of Trade

A Sigiiif cant Rarnaih Frees Association.—Copyright. Ottawa, January 18 Lord Minto, spoukiug at Minto, said that Canadiau statesmen would meet the British-Colonial Conforonce with opon arni3j but if Canada roceivod only a bucket of cold water she would b'j justified in reoiprocaling with the Uuited Suitca. INTERESTING PAPER Press Association.— Copyright. London, January 18 Mr. B. P, Hardy, aotuan, who recently returned from Australia, read a paper to-day before the Colonial Institute on Imperialism from an Australasia standpoint, Ho contended that a closer politiCtl union of the Motherland and colonies was not advisable, whilo a commercial union was both feasible and desirable. Any colonial preference given to tho Motherland on the basis of higher duties agiiinst the foreigners would proyo of little advantage to Britain,- while it would be distinctly injurious to the colonies. Colonial preforenco given by lowering tho duties against British imports would increase the prosperity of tho motherland and colonies.

Tho Duke of Argyle, who presided, said that if any prefeience which might be granted was found harmful it could be withdrawn, It was difficult to understand the fi'ss the people wero making. Mr James, Westvalian Agent-General, said that trade preference would tin doubtodly bring the Motherland and colonies in'i closer political union,

Major-Genera! Huttoi said that Australia had adopted n more complete systom of national defence than the rest of tho empire,