The Federal Conference.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IX, Issue 1604, 20 April 1887, Page 2

The Federal Conference.

(special to united press association.) LONDON. April 17. The Economist, commenting on the proposals before the Conference, favors the suggestion mat trustees should be empoweied to iuvesfc in colonial stocks. The Spectator thinks that if the loans of the larger colonies were male irre deernable within 30 j'ears they could borrow cheaply in Liverpoot and Birmxng--ham. Official intimation has been received by the debates that Her Majesty has named 4t.ii May hs the data upon which she will reeeh c them. I The i3eJe A 'atQs avo uvulecided in their [ views upon the scheme of naval defence, and are awnitiug details. Sir F." D. Bell proposes an extension of Admiral Tyron's scheme, with reduced contributions from the colonies, but acceptance of his proposal is improbable. One of (he difficulties which confronts the Conference in dealing with the question is the comrnis sioning of extra vessels for the colopial service in case of emergency, which has been put foiward as a reason why the fleet should be placed on a permanent war footing. The Lords of the Admiralty desire that the coloni°s should contribute a limited total amount toward construction and maintenance. The Victorian delegates oppose the principle of this proposal. My. Ausnßtiw Ham^. the well-known theatrical manager, entei'lained the dolegates at supper- at Drui-y Lane.

The telegram sent by Renter's 'Agency nn Friday regarding the meeting of the ile'etjafces on lha sul»j«ct of colonial defence is incorrect. At the meeting Sir Saul Samuel and Sir F. D. Bell showed that the demands made by the Admiralty upon Australia were greatly in excess' of the Earl of Carnarvon's Commission. It was lesolved (hat Sir F, D. Bell should ask for explanations at the sitting of the conference on Monday next.