IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8147, 19 April 1887, Page 4

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

IST ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.] [Reuter's Telegrams.] [Received April 18, at 12.15 p.m.l LONDON, Apbil 16. ' At to-day’s sitting of the Imperial Conference the following subjects were under discussion : The enforcement of judgments in bankruptcy laws and the winding up of public companies. The delegates generally favoured reciprocity in the enforcement of judgments, and uniformity in the bankruptcy laws of England and the Colonies. The representatives of the Imperial Government agreed that it was desirable to amend the existing system in connection with the winding up of Companies, and the Conference settled draft proposals for legislation in this direction. At Monday’s sitting of the Conference the postal and cable services will be discussed, as well as the question of defences. Sir S. W. Griffiths, Premier of Queensland, has been warmly received in the various towns he has visited in Wales. A public banquet in his honour was given by the Mayor of Cardiff last night. [Special to Press Association.J [Received April 18, at 12.46pm.| LONDON, April 17. Official intimation has been received by the delegates that Her Majesty has named May 4 as the date upon which she will receive them. The delegates are undecided in their views upon the scheme of naval defence, and are awaiting details. Sir F. Dillon Bell proposes an extension of Admiral Tryon’s scheme, with reduced contributions from the Colonies ; but ‘ the acceptance of this proposal is improbable. One of the difficulties which confronts the Conference in dealing with the question is commissioning extra vessels for the Colonial service in case of emergency, which has been put forward as a reason why the fleet should be placed on a permanent war footing. The Lords of the Admiralty desire that the Colonies should contribute a limited total amount towards construction and maintenance. The Victorian delegates oppose the principle of this proposal. Mr Augustus Harris, the well-known theatrical manager, has entertained the delegates at supper at Drury Lane. The Economist, commenting upon the proposals before the Conference, favours the suggestion that trustees should be empowered to invest in Colonial stocks. The Spectator thinks that if the loans of the larger Colonies were made irredeemable within thirty years, they could borrow cheaply. [Received April 18, at 5.30p,m.l The telegram sent by Reuter’s agency on Friday, regarding the meeting of the delegates on the subject 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 report of the Earl of Carnarvon’s Commission. It was resolved that Sir F. D. Bell should ask for explanations at the sitting of the Conference on Monday next.