THE IMPEEIAL CONFEEENCE.

Northern Advocate, 26 March 1887, Page 3

THE IMPEEIAL CONFEEENCE.

OPINIONS OF THE LONDON PRESS. London, March 19. The Times, in an article on the scope and object of the Imperial Conference, characterises it as the most interesting gathering of Imperial and Colonial representatives ever called together. Speaking of the year's national demonstrations, the Conference must be regarded as the most memorable event of the Jubilee. The same journal, discussing the important questions to be considered by the Conference, specially mentions the Ocean Postal Service, which is denounced as being utterly inadequate to the progress of the age, and the rapid development of the British possessions. Its defects are glaring, and the system bad, whilst it is more costly than it should be. The question of Imperial Federation -will be discussed, but the opininion is expressed that the time has not arrived for giving partial effect to any scheme a&octing tlie political federation of the Empire. The Daily Chronicle, in an article on the conference, refers in hopeful terms to it, and says it is likely to lead to beneficial national results. Commenting on the decision not ot allow a full measure of representation to Crown colonies at the conference, equally with autonomous colonies, the Chronicle would like to have seen every colony represented on the occassion, and which would practicallyjhave made it a federal Parliment. The members of St. George's Club entertain the delegates to the Imperial Conference at a banquet on April 10th. The Duke of Cambiidge will be present. Mr. Downer, the South Australian delegate to the Imperial Conference, and his wife have been presented to the Queen. Mr.Dodd, the Tasmanian delegate, has arrived.