THE PREMIER AND THE COUNCIL.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 288, 9 June 1909, Page 2

THE PREMIER AND THE COUNCIL.

fPREHS ASSOCIATION. 1 WELLINGTON, last night. The Prim© Minister met the members of the Legislative Council in tho Council" Chambers at 3 o'clock to-day to bring before them informally tho question of representation by Government at the Imperial Conference. Sir Joseph thanked the hon. members for their courtesy in. attending and pointed out that it would bo advantageous to have the goodwill of the Upper as well as of the Lower House in representing the dominion. .They were aware of the circumstances which had necessitated the informal meeting of the members of Parliament, so he would not trouble hon. members by recapitulating them. Tho Premier then retired, and Mr Kelly, in a very brief speech, urged, the necessity of the Premier going to the Conference, and also of the prorogation of Parliament in the*' meanwhile. He moved a resolution identical with the one passed by the members of th«> House early this morning. Mr Paul, while agreeing with tho necessity for the Premier attending the Conference, thought tho position of affairs in the dominion demanded business proceeding. He briefly alluded to the unemployment question, and hoped Government would do something in the matter. In tho matter of defence there should be equitable distribution of the burden. The giving of the Dreadnought did not appeal to him, as it was relieving the rich of their right burden. Mr Sinclair said the conference was ono of the most important ever held in the Empim. It would be mainly secret, and was essential that the Prime Minister should bo present. Far too much had been made of the adjournment. It was absurd to say that, their could be any loss by adjourning until October, but if there was a certain loss he would still say the Prime Minister should go Home to represent the dominion at this groat conference. The motion was then carried without dissent