DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 280, 31 May 1909, Page 5

DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

'.irrcmnosEXTATiox ok new ZEALAND. WHY MR M ASSEY SHOTLD CO. WELLINGTON, yesterday. The Government have recei ■yd so many nssuraiipcvs" from nior ~ ncin of Parliament ' in favor of Sir Joseph Ward's attending the "Imperial" Defence Conference that it is practically certain lie will leave New, Zealand for London about the middle of June. The feeling also seems to be gaining ground that the leader of the Opposition ought to go as well. It is recognised that in all such conferences so far the colonies have not been fully represented. In other words, there is a very large and important section of the community, represented by the Opposition in Parliament, which is practically unrepresented, though in the present instances there can be little diversity of opinion .between the two parties. That, however, is the greater reason why both, sides of the House should be represented at the. coming conference, because it is the will of the people as a whole that should find expression. The advisability of considering both sides in the representation at such conferences has been mooted' before, and the necessity for it is shown by the present position in Atistralia, where, owing to the defeat, of Mr Fisher's, Government many of the people will, in all probability not be represented at the conference. Tho position is a somewhat difficult one, but it is quite -clear that 'up to the present the overseas representation at Imperial' conferences has not been adequate, and that some better scheme should be devised. There is a precedent for the leader of the Opposition accompanying the Prime Minister. In the case of the Transvaal, Sir George-Farrai', leader of the Opposition, has been appointed with Mr Smuts, Attorney-General, to go Home with General Botha, Prime Minister, and they .will .be the representatives of ..that State. .These gentlemen had already been chosen to represent the Transvaal on a confer, once dealing with South African union. Whether or not the proposal that Mr Massey as well as Sir Joseph Ward should at£eri ; d the conference • will be niade, I ctnnot say, neither am lin a position' to state-that tho Government would' agree to it in the event of its being made, though I . understand they would not treat it in a spirit of hostility. If agreed to, it might smooth over several difficulties both now and subsequently. — Herald, special. ,: • •■-■•■- - ...