IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1926, Page 4

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Sir 'ffoseph 'Ward's argument relative to an Empire Parliament directs attention to ; the Imperial Conference, which is held periodically. This conference is a species of Empire Parliament, though its limitations and weaknesses are palpable. Nevertheless, it constitutes a commendable effort to secure the Empire’s voice in Imperial affairs. The origin of the

Imperial Conference may be traced to the presence in London, in 1887, of the Premiers of the various selfgoverning Dominions, representing their nations at the celebrations of the .Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Similar gatherings took place in 1897,* 1902, 1907 and 1911. In 1907 the title of “Colonial Conference" was changed to “Imperial Conference.” At earlier meetings the Colonial Secretary presided, hut with the change of title additional importance was given to the assembly by the assumption of the Presidency by the Prime Minister of Great Britain. In 1917 and 1918 the Conference was called the Imperial War Conference and was hold under the chairmanship of ! the Secretary of State for the I Colonics, but in 1921 and 1923 the Conference was again presided over by the British Prime Minister and discussed all matters of general interest to the Commonwealth as a whole. At the forthcoming ConferI ence, as has been already foreshadowed, matters of grave importance will come forward for consideration. Prom an Imperial Conference to an Empire Parliament seems a far cry, but the distance may prove shorter than (anticipated.