DENGLAND.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7720, 18 April 1887, Page 2

DENGLAND.

(Received April 10. 12.20 p.m.) London, April 15.

A meeting of Australasian delegates to the Imperial Conference took pjiice yesterday at the ollice of the Agent-General for Now South "Wales, fo'v the purpose of discussing the various subjeots to bo brought before tho Imperial Conference. The principal question considered was that of defence, with a view to an understanding being arrived at before the siting of the Conference on Monday nost, when' the (juestion of Impend rt?fenco will be

furl her considered. , After a lengthy discussion it was agrcsd (hat about ten extra warships were required for the defence of

Ihe Australasian porls. The annual cost would be about £100,000, and it was suggested that England should bear one-

half this expense, the remainder being borne by the colonies in proportion to population.

(Received April 10, 1.30 p.m.)

April 14. The Imperial Conference resumed tolay, when the following subjects were inder discussion— (1) The empowering of

trustees to invest in colonial Government securities, and the possibility of legislation for the removal of the present difficulty. Sir Dillon Bell submitted a memorandum on this subject, which was generally approved, but which was reserved for further consideration. (2) A bill was introduced dealing with the question of the wills of colonist?. Withregard to this matter Sir Henry Holland stated that the Treasury agreed to an amendment in the Colonial Rogisters Act, re-

lieving shares on colonial registers from payment of English probate duty. (3) A

discussion took place relative to the stamp

duties on transfers of colonial stocks. Nothing, however, was decided upon.

(4) The delegates discussed the desire which had been expressed by the colonial Governments that unclaimed dividends in colonial stocks be treated in the same

manner as unclaimed dividends on consols. Steps are to be taken which it is expected will remedy this difficulty.. (5) The amendment of the marriage law was discussed,

but it is unlikely that anything will be

done in this matter until an English -Act is passed. The Conference adjourned until Saturday next. The Chancellor of the Exchequer will bring forward his budget statement on the 22nd inst. , . Sir Patrick Jennings, of New South South "Wales, had an interview with MrGladstone yesterday. ". (Received April 18, 12.45 p.m.) April 16. Consols are J higher, viz., at 102|. The New Zeaknd inscribed stock is $ higher, and is quoted at 97£. The New Zealand 5 per cent. 10-40 loan is at 101$. A t yesterday's and to-day's colonial wool auctions 20,900 bales were offered. The market is firm.