IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6178, 9 April 1907, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

A QUESTION REVIVED AUSTRALIAN STATES REPRESEN. RATION. DESPATCH FRO-M LORD ELGIN. By Telcffrapii-Prcaa Association-Copyright. HOBART, April 8. Tho Premier lias received a despatch from Lord Elgin, Secretary of State for -the Colonies, dealing with tho roprcsDutaUou of tho Stales at the Imperial Conference. It is laid down in tho despatch that the States luivo surrendered to tho Commonwealth some of tho most distinctive attributes of self-government in tho fullest sense of tho word, and that tho great majority of the subjects, and the most important ones, to l)o discussed at tho Conference are now tho business of tho (’oinrnonwealth alone. For this reason tho Imperial Government is not able to arrange for separate representation of tho Australian States at tho Con, fercncc. MU CAUULMFIFjUS ; S VIEWS. IMPORTANCE OF STATE INTERESTS OUTLINED. (Received April 8. 11.57 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 8. Mr J. H, Oarruthers, State Premier, commenting on Lord Elgin’s despatch, contends that several important matters which will como before tho ConfercMieo aro more of State interest than Federal, notably -emigration and reservation of Bills for the Royal assent, upon which tho Imperial Government is about to legislate. Tho States also had enormous financial dealings with the centre of tho Empire, and their finances would for a very long time bo more of an Imperial question than those of the (Common, wealth- yet the States wero not invited to participate in tho Conference. MR DRVKIN. LONDON, April 7. Air Donkin broke his journey at Paris. Ho will arrive in London tomorrow'.