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During the month of October the fragmentary Canadian discussions of a possible Preferential duty culminated in a cable in the London Times from Ottawa, on October 29th, that the two Colonial Governments were likely to soon discuss a possible arrangement. Mr. Edmund Barton, the Premier of the Commonwealth, was interviewed upon the item reaching Australia and he declared that overtures would have to come from some authoritative and official source before the subject could be fairly considered and that information must also be obtained as to the goods which it would be desirable to bring in under a Preferential tariff. The more important consideration still was the effect such a preference would have on the relations of Australia with other countries. The recent experience of Canada with Germany was not, to say the least, very encouraging." Mr. Barton added, according to the Sydney Herald, that a proposal had been made for the holding of a Conference of Colonial representatives during the Coronation period; but his experience was not favourable to such occasions for the holding of gatherings of this kind. On December 11th the Dominion Government made public the following despatch sent by Sir Wilfrid Laurier to the Premiers of Australia and New Zealand, on December 7th, and which had been favourably acknowledged by Messrs. Barton and Seddon :

:

The Canadian Government proposes a Conference with representatives of the Australian and New Zealand Governments in London next June, or other convenient time, for consideration of trade, postal, cable, transportation and other Colonial matters. They trust your Government will co-operate.

So far as the Canadian press discussed this policy of closer trade relations it was in the main favourable, The St. John Sun, of October 23rd, asked why the two countries should not take counsel together and agree on a mutual preference. "At present Australia buys much more breadstuffs from foreign countries than from Canada. Our exports of flour to that great continent have been less than a quarter as much as our exports to the small population of Newfoundland. Our chief exports to Australia are agricultural implements, bicycles, cottons, canned salmon, lumber and flour-and flour is the least of these."

The Toronto Mail and Empire of December 12th, dwelt upon the desirability of some form of Preferential arrangement. The mutual trading interests of the two countries were very great, though the United States had stepped in and, so far, had largely cut out the Dominion. But this might be remedied. "As their productions are in many respects unlike in kind, and as each presents a demand for certain staples such as the other produces, the basis for reciprocal agreement ought not to be hard to find." The Toronto Globe of the following day referred to the proposed Conference and, while in favour of some arrangement, was not optimistic in view of the strong Protectionist feeling in Australia. "Possibly when the delegates get together they may be able to make some re-adjustment of duties that will not frighten the protected interests; but it will be well not to be too sanguine." Meanwhile the Canadian Manufacturers'

Association had been expressing themselves upon the subject at their annual meeting in Montreal. On November 6th, the following Resolution, moved by Mr. W. K. McNaught, of Toronto, and seconded by Mr. W. K. George, of the same city, was unanimously carried :—

Whereas the union of the Australian Colonies into a great Federal Commonwealth has brought that country under a common tariff; and whereas this Confederation will necessitate the adjustment of the tariff relations which have hitherto existed between this country and the various Colonies of Australia; and whereas the peculiar conditions which at present prevail throughout the Empire generally render the time particularly opportune for the negotiation of Preferential trade relations among the great British self-governing Colonies: Therefore be it Resolved, that in the opinion of this Association the Government of Canada should at once take steps to secure reciprocal Preferential trade between this country and the Australian Commonwealth.

Trade Questions and Cana

dian Visit

ors to Australia

The appointment of the Hon. Wm. Mulock, K.C., M.P., Postmaster-General and Minister of Labour, as Canadian representative in Australia, upon the occasion of inaugurating the new Commonwealth Parliament, was announced early in the year. The original invitation had been addressed to Sir Wilfrid Laurier, but the statement was made on March 3rd that pressure of public business would render his absence impossible. The following despatch was then sent by Sir Wilfrid to the Premier of Australia: "I regret that Parliamentary duties will not permit me to attend the opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth, but Canada will be represented by Mr. William Mulock, Postmaster-General, who will convey to federated Australia the warm wishes of their brothers for their prosperity and happiness."

It was stated semi-officially by the Toronto Globe that Mr. Mulock would discuss trade matters and the Pacific Cable scheme with the Federal Executive while in Australia. There was very general approval of the appointment in Canada. Conservative papers such as the Toronto Mail and Empire and the Montreal Star declared that, after the Premier, he was the best representative that Canada could have from amongst the Liberal ranks. As the Minister in charge of such matters of Imperial concern as the Pacific Cable and the Postal rates, and as a public man who had always been a pronounced Imperialist, he seemed eminently fitted for the post. On March 16th Mr. Mulock sailed from New York for England and thence proceeded to Australia where he expected to arrive in plenty of time for the Royal opening of Parliament (on May 6th) and the accompanying functions.

The allowance granted by the Dominion Government for expenses for this purpose was $10,000 and, in reply to a question regarding the matter-asked by Mr. Maclean in the House of Commons on May 7th--the Prime Minister stated that Mr. Mulock had gone by invitation, with the primary object of representing Canada. "He has no special instructions but, of course, he is expected to have an eye to business and to see what can be done to develop our trade relations with that country." On May 10th Sir Wilfrid Laurier told Lt.-Col.

S. Hughes, in answer to a question, that no word had yet been received from Mr. Mulock, nor had any official congratulations been wired to the Commonwealth Government. No notification, formal or otherwise, had been received as to the day upon which the Australian Parliament was to be opened. It afterwards became known that the Commissioner had been ill during the greater part of his time in Australia, but that he, had none the less, managed to fulfil some of his social and business duties.

On May 16th a deputation from the General Council of the Chambers of Commerce of Australia waited upon Mr. Mulock, according to the Melbourne Argus, at the private hospital where he was confined, and discussed the matter of cables with him. The Canadian Postmaster-General gave the interesting information that his Government was considering the laying of a cable to Great Britain and the practicability of securing control of the land lines of the Dominion-facts not then announced in Canada itself. In Sydney, on May 29th, Mr. Mulock was interviewed by the Morning Herald. In reply to an inquiry as to the effect of the Preferential tariff in Canada, he declared that it had been instrumental in developing trade between the Dominion and Great Britain. "It has awakened great interest in England towards Canada and Canadian industries, leading to increased sales there of Canadian products, and has directed the attention of intending emigrants to Canada. It has also diverted to Canada a large amount of British capital for the development of our great natural resources. The British Preference was the breath of life imparted to a waning trade." He made only slight reference to trade possibilities between the Dominion and the Commonwealth, and added that he was going to sail for England on June 6th.

The Postmaster-General arrived in Toronto on his return from the Antipodes on August 18th and was welcomed by many friends. An interview in the Globe, of the next day, recorded his impressions of the loyal, elaborate and lavish reception given to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York throughout Australia, and his opinion of the people in their relations toward the Empire. Everywhere throughout the Commonwealth he had found much kindliness of feeling towards Canada and Canadians and every reason for belief that a great commerce might be developed between the two countries. "I met everywhere throughout Australia representatives of Canadian manufacturers and business houses and they all expressed their grateful appreciation of their treatment by the Australians." Regular transportation was, he thought, the chief difficulty in the way of extending trade. The Americans had improved their steam facilities in this connection and the result was a steadily growing commerce. He was greatly pleased with his experience of the people and had found them to be strong Imperialists, intensely loyal and "most anxious to be in close touch with the rest of the Empire both in sentiment and trade."

Arising out of this visit to Australia was a reception and formal

public welcome given to the Hon. Mr. Mulock in Toronto, on December 18th, following his return. There was a crowded gathering in Massey Hall with Mr. R. C. Steele in the chair. An address was presented from the Liberals of Toronto by H. M. Mowat, K.C., President of the Toronto Reform Association, which commenced by declaring that the Government of Canada was "happily inspired” in choosing to represent the Dominion, at the Royal opening of the first Parliament of federated Australia, the Minister who had created that subtle and powerful link in Empire unity-the Imperial Penny Postage system. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the Hon. Mr. Fielding and the Hon. G. W. Ross followed in eloquent speeches. During his own elaborate utterance upon Canadian development and Empire interests, as touched by the policy of his party, Mr. Mulock made some general reference to his Australian visit, and declared that not even an attack of rheumatism had been allowed to enterfere with the objects of his mission. The Premier, however, was more specific in his remarks and stated that the Postmaster-General had attended the opening ceremonies in spite of illness, had met many of the people, tested the feelings of the Government as to better trade relations and laid the foundation for another and later Conference in London.

Meanwhile, two other prominent Canadians had visited Australia, though in no official capacity. The object of the tour of the Commonwealth made by Dr. Oronhyatekha, Supreme Chief Ranger of the Independent Order of Foresters and the Hon. Dr. W. H. Montague was essentially a business one. But the general importance of their speeches-especially those of Dr. Montague-in promoting a knowledge of Canadian interests, conditions and opinions was so marked as to warrant consideration here. Dr. Montague arrived at Sydney towards the end of April. The Telegraph of that city interviewed him on April 29th and was told, first of all, that nobody in Canada thought of annexation to the United States. "We set out to perpetuate British institutions on the North American continent, and Canada will spend her last dollar and her last man in that work."

He went on to express the hope that the day was not far distant when Canada and Australia would agree upon mutually beneficial trade relations. "The hope of the Empire for the future is for the Motherland to encourage Canadians and Australians to build up Great British commonwealths by preferring the products of their soils to all others. Each with the other; all with the Motherland." He told them something of the way Canada had met the problems developing out of its earlier federation. In various speeches during succeeding months Dr. Montague dealt with the closer relations which might be created between the Dominion and the Commonwealth and with the settlement of various Canadian problems which might prove of service if studied by his hearers or readers.

At MacKay, Queensland, he suggested to the Chamber of Commerce that there might be scholarships given at the Universities in their respective countries for knowledge and study of the resources and interests of Australia, or Canada, as the case might be.

He

expressed great hope for a trade in the tropical productions of a State such as Queensland, with the Canadian Provinces, and dwelt especially upon sugar and coffee. He did not hesitate to express approval of the self reliance developed by individual initiative and responsibility in railway building over the State-controlled paternalism of the Australian system. Of this speech the MacKay Chronicle, of August 5th, declared that if Mr. Montague "impressed his hearers at the other centres where he gave addresses to the same extent as in MacKay the result of his tour through Australia will be far-reaching and noteworthy." At Maryborough, in the same State, he strongly urged closer trade relations. Canada's woollen industry was large and the wool should come from Australia. So with its leather industry and the hides which now came from South America. Tallow and raw sugar should be imported from the Commonwealth. In fruit, especially in oranges and apples, there was room for a large trade. He did not say much about imports from Canada but referred to the sacrifice made by the Dominion in its support of the Pacific Cable, which was, he thought, infinitely more important to Australia than to Canada.

Later in the year Dr. Oronhyatekha met many of the public men of Australia and addressed many social gatherings in addition to his varied business engagements. He landed at Townville, was welcomed at Brisbane, and at Sydney was accorded a public reception with Mr. J. S. Larke in the chair and the Rt. Hon. George H. Reid, M.P., amongst those participating in the welcome. He visited Parramatta and was received at Melbourne in a public function attended by 3,000 people. At a subsequent banquet given in his honour the guests included the leading public men of the State, amongst them being Sir Samuel Gillott, the Mayor; the Hon. Mr. Peacock, the Premier; and many others. At various other points he was welcomed and every where speeches were made which helped to bring the Dominion more clearly before the eyes of the Australian people.

Dr. Montague and Dr. Oronhyatekha returned home together, and at Winnipeg the former was interviewed by the Telegram on December 30th. He was optimistic as to future relations between the two countries. "There is an unlimited opportunity in Australia for Canadian products. True, the tariff at present is high and in some cases prohibitive, but all that is necessary to establish reciprocal trade relations is representations from the proper authorities which up to the present time have not been made." He instanced Canadian flour as an article which Australians had to have. Their chief exports to Canada would be hides, tallow, wool, raw sugar and certain classes of timber for paving and furniture making. He thought the free trade party in Australia was growing in strength and urged that delegates from the Government and from the leading Canadian Boards of Trade should be sent to study the question of closer trade possibilities on the spot. Upon their return to Toronto in the following month a banquet was given Dr. Montague by the Foresters with their Supreme Chief Ranger as chairman.