THE FEDERAL PREMIER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12483, 14 October 1902, Page 5

THE FEDERAL PREMIER

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. Press Association—Bv Telegraph—Copyright. BRISBANE, October 13. (Received Oct. 13, at 9.42 a.m.) Sir E. Barton was welcomed on behalf of the Federal and State Parlia-* inents by a representative assemblage. In the course of an interview he reviewed the work of the Imperial Conference, but added nothing of importance to the facts already cabled. He refrained from expressing any opinion as to results. He said that the statement was untrue that the speeches he delivered in Canada were more flamboyant than those delivered in England. Hβ advocated reasonable Imperialism, not a .reckless tendency to rush into quarrels and disputes without considering the causes. He favoured cohesion with the Empire by all reasonable and wise means, and the consistent preservation of our autonomous government.

(Received Oct. 14, at 0.57 a.m.) In an interview Sir E. Barton said, with reference to the naval agreement, that in time of peace the squadron would be stationed in Australia with the exception of one drill ship and one cruiser, which would be in New Zealand waters. Mr Seddon's claims were- much larger than these, but upon full discussion he saw the justice of the aiTangement. It was part of the arrangement that if the several proportions of men from Australia and New Zealand were not available, those lacking in one colony could be obtained in the other. . The agreement was to Last 10 years. Provision was made at the end of the eighth or any subsequent year that notice may be given of the desire to terminate it. Nothing in the agreement is to be taken to mean that the squadron will be the only force used in Australian waters. If the necessity arises, a larger force would be sent. Dealing with the question of the stations to be occupied by the squadron, he said in times of war operations are to be in the Australian, China, and the East Indian waters, where they can most effectively act against hostile vessels , threatening the interests of Australia and New Zealand. He added: " We were assured during the discussion that $ie t Imperial Government would endeavour to make Australia and New Zealand the basis of coal supplies for the squadron in Eastern waters , . (Received Oct. 14, at 1 a.m.) Sir E. Barton, in a further interview, said it seemed to him the conference had not been by any means the unsatisfactory one some people had endeavoured ta designate it. It came to very important, and, he thought, gratifying decisions, which would result in binding the Empire even more closely than at present. Besides, it afforded an excellent opportunity of securing the views of representatives of the self-governing colonies throughout the Empire and of the Imperial Government on matters of mutual interest. In future, conferences , would probably fee more important. The view was expressed that future conferences should be held at intervals not exceeding four years,' the Secretary of State to make the necessary arrangements. It was originally determined they should be hold every three years, but it was concluded there might be a difficulty in securing a representative conference in that period. If, however, a question of emergency arises, it may be held in three years.