IMPERIAL PRESS CONFFERENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 288, 9 June 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL PRESS CONFFERENCE.

• . Press Assn— By telegraph— Copyright. LONDON, yesterday. Lord Minto sent India's greetings. The casual" mention of Mr Joseph .Chamberlain provoked loud cheers, ! which were renewed when Mr Austen I Chamberlain stated that nothing had struck his father more, than the unity | of thought and sentiment through- | out the Empire, and upon the occasion of national rejoicings overseas' congratulations were received immediately. • Lord Crewe quoted figures to show I the- great number of words cabled in connection with cricket as compared -with general news. It was possible by wireless telegraphy iivml the uso of the cables when otherwise unoccupied, to provide a partial remedy for the inadequate- treatment of subjects of greater importance. Mr Kyffin Thomas (of the Adelaide Observer) said there would be great delight throughout the Commonwealth if the next Conference were held in Australia. Cheaper cable rates would enable' the colonies to secure much fuller reports of the doings, of Homo folksl A. cable from Melbourne called attention to the poverty of colonial news in London papers mentioning that the Commonwealth offer of a Dreadnought, though one of the greatest subjects of the hour, was given only four Hues. , .' ■ . Mr Austen Chamberlain hoped the Conference would not forget the pioneer work of the cable companies, and treat them generously, but the companies must make up their minds that times were changing- and' fresh needs arising. . ■ , ■ Mr Tim'perley (New South Wales) \ advocated the All-Red -route, and the nationalisation of the.. Pacific cable. Mr Fenwick (Otago Daily Times), said that tho Conference would be humiliated if the" resolution already cabled was not adopted. The Rt. Hon. S. W: Buxton, Post-master-General, said that- businessmen, were reducing coding 'to a fine t art. ThiS- was impossible for press news, and therefore they had a right to have special rates granted in order to place^newspapers on iin equality with business men. Mr Buxton added that he anticipated that when I the Conference had consulted the cable i companies he understood they would, be willing to consider 1 a reduction in the 'rates if they were assured of considerable additional matter. The amount spent in pi-css:tekgi,".ains at present was small compared with the total expenditure. .; ...... Sir Hugh. Grraham proposed and Lord Northeliffo • seconded a, resolution making members of tho. conference a Standing '.Committee to consider tho .question of an Imperial News Service, and tako measures to secure a reduction in rates, .and this was carried unanimously. The discussion on the. resolution moved by Mr Ross (Ottawa) in favor of State-owned cables in the Atlantic and Pacific, was adjourned till tho 25th inst., it being considered that two hours . was wholly inadequate for the proper discussion, of the problems. The Speaker presided at the House of Commons' luncheon', at which Mr Asquith, Mr Haldane, Earl Grey, Sir A. Milner, Lord Curzon, and Earl Cromer Avere present. Mr Birrell made a, humorous speech in proposing "Our Guests" ; the Hon. ;Kirwin, Westralia, replied to the toast.