We will now take up 1 for consideration the proposed changes in the 1 tariff as pas«ed by the Protectionist Conference , held in June ot Christchurch. IMr John" Mitchell though*; that before pro ceeding to the business indicated by the chair -1 man, reference to these opening remarks would not be out of plac«. It was with pleasure and '" interest that be hod listened to Mr Kemp t tbnrne's impressions gathered during hi*3 recent a visit to Victoiia ancl New Soulh Waifs. There was, of course, debateable matter in the opinions P* exoresßed, but on one point there seemed to be 1 littlo doubt, and that wci concerning the grow ■- ing feeling in favour of intercolonial Freetrade. ii This was a matter wbich would likely be the A subject of a conference during the course of the '" exhibition, and he thought it would be well if members would give the subject their careful consideration. ) Mr Alexander Burt said he had listened with very great pleasure to Mr Kempthoriie'a remarks. He had all along held fche opinion that the colonies wbich had adopted a Protective 8 policy would ultimately move in the direc n tion of an amalgamation for intercolonial " Freetrade. As a manufacturer desirous of r, entering every known market he would hail the 's a-loption of a uniform customs tariff. He felt y able, and was quite willing to compete against *s all comers under such conditions Competition ""■ meant the developing of tho genius of a country, ■? and in proportion as thoy had the means of com ,o parison would tbey advance, ih manufacturing, is A stimulus was afforded to our workmen when »t they were called upon to compete wifch the neighbouring colonies, and the employer "j naturally made every effort to compete success -4 fully. As regards the proposed tariff alterations,

ho should like to see exemptions on the lists done away with altogether. Tho beneficial re sults ot recent alterations were undoubted.so tar as manufacturing interests were concerned, but the vexations trouble over items exempted anc over others not clearly enumerated or defined was endless. If exemptions were done away with and articles more clearly defined, matters would be more pleasant foe* the Customs depart ment, snd attempts at evasions would be less frequent, if not impossible. 