A—s

334

Tenth Day. ■> M*y 1907.

That chart shows the effect of trade between Great Britain and Australia with foreign and British Possessions from 1880, and if gentlemen will look at it, the second is the line which shows the British trade with Australia from 1880, coming down to 1905. The one above represents the trade with British Possessions coming down to 1905, line three shows the increase of foreign imports. The fourth line shows Britisii Possessions nearly even as far as Australia is concerned. There is one point I wish to refer to. It will be seen that there is a great drop at one particular point in part of the years 1902, 1903, and 1904. I find on examination that that has caused correspondingly an immense increase from foreign, countries during these three years of great depression, when a large quantity of foodstuffs, corn, hay, and one thing and another for stock, were imported from South America, some from the United States, but mainly from South America into Australia. * Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : Is that 1903, Sir William '. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : Yes, it is part of 1902, 1903, and 1904. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : May I ask another question now, or if you like I will ask it after you have finished explaining the diagram. I should like to know whether these figures represent percentages or the actual trade done. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : I think it is the actual trade done. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : That cannot be. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : You will find 87 down to 73, and 75 down to 62. They are percentages. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : That does not represent a drop in the actual trade ? Mr. DEAKIN : In the totals. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : It may not be the totals, but it is the proportion. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : That is what I want to make clear—that it does not represent a drop in the actual trade. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : It does not follow that it does; it follows that there is a proportionate drop in comparison with others. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : This represents percentages and not actual trade. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : According to the figures, it is percentages just referred to. I am convinced that the preference we offer Britain would do much to rectify this—would increase your shipping—and would greatly add to the employment of your working classes. So Australia offers preferential duties on your goods and with it increased emolument and employment to the

Preferential Trade. (Sir W. Lyne.)