MR CHAMBERLAIN'S R.P.Y

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 911, 9 June 1903, Page 3

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S R.P.Y

By IViegiaph iwiiiiu n—Co y g! I

Received 12 20 a m., Juu. 9.

London, .Inn 8.

Mr Chamhorlaiu, reply mg in •> tn ics pondont, said lie did not atiaclr txe - ivc

importance to trades union leaders h. c use thoy had a string of rail eu putis.ns whoso opinions were not m c -s-.ti 1 1su,mi by the winkers genemfiy, nor ■■•. e , n,\ trades Unionists. In c-> m •••■ on wi i

preferential tariff's mM eo.nm.icia I. . play ho was confident Uni Workeis won n not submit to tho dictation uf even ' o most trusted trades unionist leaders. In many casus tho duty on corn would he paid by exporters. Whether the duiy would raise the cost of living would thpond upon tho extent of the competition amongst tho exporting countries. Even if the price of food were ruised wages would be raised in greater proportion Ho instanced tho United States and Germany as examples. His contention was that if, when negotiating with foreign countries, wo wore able to bargain on equal terms, the duties now imposed would be generally roduced. Foreigners would compote in our markets, bringing us nearer to roal free trade. He wus conhdont thai a revision of tho import duties would secure :< larger scheme of old age pensions for the thrifty and well-conducted. It had been proved that British possessions wore capable uf rapidly increasing food

supplies. * Hu added that if his scheme was going to bring ruin and starvation, how then could the fact be accounted for that the increase of exports, wages, and general prosperity during tho last twenty years in the United States aud Germany have been greater than in tho United Kingdom, the only country enjoying unrestricted free imports.'