CANADA AND AUSTRALIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3427, 19 January 1912, Page 5

CANADA AND AUSTRALIA.

THE PREFERENTIAL ARRANGEMENT. STEP IN THE DIRECTION OF IMPERIAL PREFERENCE. [united press association—copyright! LONDON, Jan. 17. The “Morning Post” applauds Canada’s proposals. Mr Aitken, M.P., on being interviewed, declared that it marks a step in the direction of Imperial preference and will be most beneficial to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Dr Parkin, an author and lecturer on Imperial Federation, states that hitherto it has been assumed useless to enter into a preferential arrangement wherein Britain had not taken part. The present Government’saction was the outcome of a rebuff from the dominions for not trying to negotiate a similar scheme for a United Empire. Sir William Hall-Jones, on being inw terviewed, said that New Zoaland was carrying on a nice trade with Vancouver, and it was hoped that the projected reciprocal scheme would give a further stimulus thereto. While the arrangement was calculated to benefit three countries commercially, it would likewise possess sentimental advantages more closely connecting them. He added that it would be an object lesson for all those studying Imperial preference, whether from a favorable or a hostile standpoint. WHAT PREFERENCE "WOULD SAVE. (Received January 19, 1.15 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Jan. 18. The Federal Government is prepared to give Canada and New Zealand the benefit of the British preferential duties tariff, provided Australian goods’ are allowed to enter those countries at British rates. A bill will be introduced next session to. provide for preference to apply to Canadian goods, but several items will probably be excepted. Mr Tudor declared that if they had a; reciprocal treaty there would have been lie difficulty about subsidising mail steamers, but it was not advisable to grant a subsidy to steamers calling at New Zealand unless they had reciprocity. During 1910 Australia exported eighty thousand pounds worth of goods to Canada, and had the preferential rate been in existence would have saved £7727. Canadian exports to Australia during the same period were £llO,294, and preference would have saved £3400.