MR. DEAKIN AND MR. REID.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 24 April 1907, Page 2

MR. DEAKIN AND MR. REID.

A REPLY TO CRITICISM. . (Received April 24, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, Tuesday. Answering Mr O. <-. Reid's criticism, Mr Deakiu, Commonwealth Premier, says: — My original proposal was carried excepting that the Secretariat was left under the Colonial Office mst»ad the self-governing colonies, all their business and the Conferenco being placed under the Prime Minister. The difference between Sir Wilfrid Laurier and myself is that he wished the Conferenco to" bo under the supervision of the Colonial Office, and I think there is no need for supervision in that sense by any Britisli department. We ought to be responsible only to the head of the British Government, who should be the only responsible Minister to deal with us. The position of Governors as a channel of communications remains unaltered. Lord Elgin's suggestion that the Premiers must not ignore the value of the Governors as a means of communication was received in silence. The Premiers entertain great hopes to secure all they want at the next Conference, as they anticipate that the present expedient will break down. The Premiers are willing to try the expedient, since failure will deprive the Colonial Office of the main ground of objections to the proposed change. Lord Elgin greatly resented the presidency of the Prime^ Minister as a blow at the Colonial Office, which opposed anything in the nature of a Secretariat, andi intends to minimise its importance." Mr Deakin attaches importance to securing recognition of the equality of Governments. (Received April 9.1 a.m.) LONDON, Tuesday. The Imperial Conference resumed. Mr Haldane, Secretary of State for War, moved that the Conference, with- " out wishing to commit the Governments represented to immediate action, recognised the need of developing throughout the Empire a conception or a general staff recruited from the Empire's forces, 'locominK the means of fostering -thestudy of military science colelcting, and disseminating military information, undertaking the preparation of a scheme of defence on common principles without in the least interfering with ques- • tions of command or administration ; such staff being capable of advising various Governments regarding the direction of war and military organisation throughout the Empire. The resolution was carried.

Zealandia's seasons come and go In summer's heat and winter's snow ; And spring unfolds her fresh green eHoof s ;' And autumn brings her gifts of fruits. Each change is fraught with human . ilk, * With cbnehß and colds and sudden chills ; But life is safe, and health is sura By taking Woods* Groat Peppermint . JCnr«< > _: ....... ..