EMPIRE CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1151, 12 June 1911, Page 5

EMPIRE CONFERENCE.

THE TIDE OF EMIGRATION. MR. JOHN BURNS EXPLAINS WHAT BRITAIN IS DOING. PEOPLE FOR THE DOMINIONS. By Telecraph—Press Association-Copyriebt London, Juno 9. Tho Imperial Conference resumed its sittings. Mr. Hareourt (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) presided. Mr. Fisher formally moved tho reaffirmation of the 1907 emigration resolution — That it is desirable to encourage British emigrants to proceed to British colonies rather than to foreign countries. That the Imperial Government be requested to co-operate with any colony desiring immigrants in assisting suitable persons to emigrate. Mr. Batchelor, Australian Minister for External Affairs, said the Conference would doubtless agree to encourage omigration within the Empire. Australia, like others, was drawing on Britain for portion of har population, and was naturally anxious that people of their own race should bo kept within the Empire. There seemed to bo somo lack of precise information in connection with the Emigrants' Information Department, and he suggested tho inclusion of representatives of the Dominions on the committee. This would increase the committee's knowledge. Sir Joseph Ward said New Zealand did not favour a wholesale system of emigration, but naturally preferred Britons. It imposed a strict test, merely to exclude aliens. He saw no Teason to change his views as expressed in 1907. Must Not Drain the Tank. Mr. John Burns, President of the Local Government Board, said that since the last Conference the objects of the resolution had been secured to a great extent. Tho Dominions since 1907 had received 51 per cent' of the British immigrants, and in 1910 C 8 per cent, while tho figures for four months of 1911, if maintained, would show a pe'recntago of SO. In the latter period Australia and New Zealand had received 10,000 more than in the corresponding period of 1910. The increase had justified the work and organisation of the Emigrant Department. Tho type of emigrants had also improved._ The emigration in 1910 represented 00 per cent of the Kingdom's natural increase. A lower death-rato nnd lower infantilo mortality had alono prevented tho drain from being serious. Wit'h a diminishing birth-rate, it was unsafe for Britain to exceed 300,000 emigrants yearly. Tho Dominions were entitled to tho overflow, but they must not empty the tank. He would advise the Conference to let well alone and trust the Mother Country. He had nothing but praise for the way in which the Dominions had cared for emigrant children passing through his Department. Thero had been occasional complaints concerning the rigorous standard with regard to adults, but this had lately been more generous. Mr. Burns's statement was considered satisfactory. Mr. Batchelor said that any effort to reduce the twenty per cent going outside the Empire would be appreciated. British Policy Approved. ' Sir Joseph Ward said that if the Dominions received eighty per cent., that was as much as they could expect. Ho suggested altering tho resolution to express approval of the policy that had been pursued, otherwise they might appear dissatisfied with what had been done. Mr. Fisher did not object. Mr. Hareourt suggested eliminating tho proposed appointment of Dominion representatives on the Emigrant Committee. The Department had not been designed to promote emigration to any particular Dominion; its only object was to supply accurate information. If the question of representation was introduced, competition might arise. He would undertako to keep the information up to date. Mr. Fisher said Australia did not apply the education test to Europeans, although for five years a thousand newspapers had vilified them for not doing so. Thero was greater knowledge of Australian affairs in England to-day than was the case nine years ago. Ho recognised that good work in various Departments was effecting a change. Mr. Hareourt moved:— "That tho present policy of encouraging emigrants to po to the Dominions in preference to foreign countries be continued, and that full co-operation bo accorded the Dominions desiring emigrants." The amended resolution was adopted. PURSUIT OF WIFE-DESERTERS. DR. FINDLAY'S SUGGESTIONS. (Rec. June 11, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 10. At the Imperial Conference yesterday, Sir Joseph Ward formally moved:— That in order to relieve both ■wives and children and tho poor relief burdens of the United Kingdom and her Dependencies, reciprocal provisions should be made throughout tho constituent parts of the Empire with respect to destitute and deserted persons. Dr. Findlay, Attorney-General for New Zealand, in speaking in support of the motion, said reciprocity was needed to enforce the decisions of one part of tho Empiro in another. Wife-deserters from England at present could not bo compelled to contribute in New Zealand, except by an expensive process under the Fugitive Offenders Act. Similar conditions existed between the Dominions. It was hoped shortly to legislate to enable the enforcement of an Australian maintenance order in New Zealand. Mr. Fisher said it would bo beneficial if they had a Federal law on the subject suggested. He would omit reference to tho poor relief burdens of Britain, as the Conference had nothing to do with them. Sir Joseph Ward agreed to amend the motion accordingly. A Deportable Offence, Mr. John Burns, President of the Local Govftrnmont Board, said that although he might agTee with the principle of the motion, it was somewhat difficult to find a practical application. His Department considered tho enforcement of maintenance orders disproportionate to tho benefits gained. If the Dominions referred tho questions to their law officers, he would discuss with the British law officers tho feasibleness of remedying matters by making wife desertion a deportablo offence. Dr. Findlay said he thought the matter simple. When an order was issued in New Zealand, a man could be called upon in London to show cniife. Mr. Ilnrcoiirt suggested that tho resolution should read:— That in order to pecuro justice and protection for deserted wives nnd children, reciprocal legal pro- , ' vifion fh.ou.ld .be adopted,

Dr. Findlay acquiesced, and the motion was carried. Tho Conference then adjourned until Monday. interchange of officers, a proposal accepted. London, June 9. During tho discussion at the Imperial Conference yesterday, on the suggestion by Mr. Uarcourt, Secretary of Stato for tho Colonies, that a standing committee be appointed to bridge the gap between the Conference?, Mr. Uarcourt said he sympathised with the idea of greater knowledge abroad of Ilomo affairs. Ho thought the result might bo secured in a less formal way if tho Dominions attached special officers to act under the High Commissioneis. He would arrange for facil; ties for acquainting such officers with the Department's work. Meanwhile tho Colonial Office had officers serving on the staffs of the Governors-General in Canada and South Africa, and,were sending ono to Australia, In Sir Joseph Ward's motion, favouring the interchange of selected Imperial and Dominion Civil Servants, the word "visit" was substituted for the word "interchange," and the motion, as amended, carried. The Conference then adjourned until Friday. AUSTRALIAN VIEWS. ADVANTAGES OF UNIFORMITY. (Reo. June 11, 5.5 p.m.) Melbourne, June 10. The Acting-Prime Minister, Mr. W. M. Hughes, thinks that the Imperial Conference is unlikely to result in a material remodelling of the Constitution or the traditional policy of Great Britain towards the overseas Dominions. One good result of greater uniformity in legislation would be that leas misunderstanding would be probable. HONORARY DEGREES DECLINED. London, June 0. Mr. Fisher has declined Honorary Doctorships of Oxford, Cambridge, Glasgow, and Birmingham.