THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7853, 22 April 1887, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

[By Eleotbio Teleokaph.— Copyright.

(Reuteb'B Telegrams.) London, April 20.

(Received April 21. at 12.30 p.m.)

At to-day's sitting of the conference the question of telegraphic communication between the. various parts of the empire was under consideration. The subject was discussed on the basis of the utility of such communication to the empire rather than with the possibility of any commercial return therefrom. Mr Sahdford Fleming (Canada) read a paper in support of • the advantages, from a defensive point of view, of a "cable between Canada and Australia, and = maintained that such "a cable was possible with a tariff of 5s per word between Europe and the colonies. The conference ultimately expressed an opinion that it was extremely expedient that additional cables be provided, but the rates and means of acquiring cables are subjects for future consideration. No decision was arrived at, and the question was adjourned till Wednesday next. The conference to-morrow discusses the question of Australian land defences.

(Special to Pbess Association.) London, April 20, {Received April 21, at 7.30 p.m.)

The cable question was before the conference to-day. Sir S. Samuel thought it would be unwise to hastily supersede the Eastern Extension Company. Mr Downer pointed out that the; Pacific cable scheme was opposed to the inteiests of South Australia. : .

Mr Deakin was favourable to the scheme, although the proposals were somewhat large, and also in their present shape, he feared, impracticable. He suggested that the proper point of view from which this should be considered was what national advantages will accrue from their adoption. Sir S. Griffith and Sir F. D. Bell were favourably inclined to the new company. Sir P. Jennings agreed with Mr Deakin that the federal advantages of the scheme were worthy of consideration. ■ Mr Raikes was guarded in his answer, but was understood to hint that the Government was unlikely at present to grant the subsidy demanded. The company asked for £J 00,000 for 25 years, with a 4s rate between Europe and the colonies. r

April 21 Beoeired April 22, at 2.6 a.m.)

The conference has adopted the principal points of the scheme of naval defence. The Duke of Cambridge advocated an analogus system for the land forces. Mr Deakin stated that the colonies were strongly, in favour of federation of the empire, and'satirised the prevailing ignorance in England of the aspirations of the colonies. Mr Downer acknowledged that the colonies recognised the interest taken by the Prince of"Wales in colonial projects. " ' ■