NAVIGATION LAWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13863, 28 March 1907, Page 7

NAVIGATION LAWS.

CONFERENCE IN LONDON. OPENING STATEMENT BY MR LLOYD-GEORGE. I .... SPEECH BY SIR J. G. WARD. /mm Association—Dy Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, March 27. (Received March 27, at 9.20 p.m.) The Navigation Conference opened today at the Foreign Office. There were present fouv representatives of the Board of Trade and two of the Colonial Otficc. Messrs Kenneth Anderson, C. F. Pernio, and Norman Hill represented the shipowners; Messrs Havelock Wilson and 1). J. Kenny tho seamen. All tlo Australasian delegates were also present. Mr Lloyd: George (President of the Board of Trade) presided. He. welcomed the delegates and explained the objects of' the conference. Although the Motherland moved slower than the colonies, yet she moved very fast last year in the ' Merchant Shipping and Workmen's Compensation Acts, which anticipated many of the recommendations of the Anstrau.an' Royal Commission—notably as regwds improving the amenities of life at sea Ho suggested that the conference shoild, be confined chiefly to the question of: He principles forming tho basis of a practical solution of the issues between tho Motherland and the colonies. He emphasised the desirability of uniformity in" shipping legislation. The only difficulty was in' finding standard embodying a practicable arrangement acceptable to all parties, . Sir Joseph. Ward acknowledged tho ltihdly welcome the delegates had received. He said their sprightly youth enabled the colonies to avoid the legislative mistakes of the Old Country, and enabled them to move faster. New Zealand rightly claimed a share in the internal working of the laws of the Empire. He realised the stupendous (jiflicully of ' framing legislation applicable to the merchants of the shipping world, but felt i sure that the practical result of the con- , ferenco would be the 'better protection of ; the- shipowners and seamen. He hoped tho New Zealand act would be a basis for any suggested improvements in the Imperial la,ws. tyew Zealand would accept no retrogression, but was willing, to adopt improvements. Sir W. J. Lyne (Australia) said the conference would make it easier to understand the difficulties and to find a solution. While desirous of recognising the interests of tho Imperial Government and British ship-owners, he felt bound to state that due regard must be paid to the different conditions of Australia, where the rate of payment for seamen was much . higher. Ho referred to the extensive coast line of Australia, and said that Australians asked that British vessels trading on tho Australian coast should accept local .conditions, and also held strong views in regard to the employment of coloured seamen. Sir W. J. ' Lyno analysed the provisions of the New Zealand act and tho latest British acts, the Australian bill of 1904, and the recommendations of the Royal Commission. He drew pointed attention to the New Zealand act, which, he said, contained nearly all that the Commonwealth wae asking. The British act also went a considerable way, though not as far as Australia hoped, and intended, to go. Britain had already made a great advance in regard to air space, wages, and other points ■which would improve the seamen's, tactions. Australia' was especially determined regarding wages, the employment of coloured seamen, and the improvement of the general condition of seamen. (Received March 27, at 10.22 p.m.) Sir W. J. LyJio went on to say that the Commonwealth Government had prepared a, bill based on the report'of the Itoyal Commission. Australia, was not likely to }w satisfied with anything less. '■■ In discussing details referring to the survey of passenger and cargo ehips, the question was raised as to whether the standards affecting the hulls, machinery, bond's, and life-saving appliances established •by the Board of 'Trade could be accepted for British ships throughout tho Empire. Tho conference adjourned ti|l April 1. ' Sir J. Q. Ward says ho is very pleased •. wjth the prospects of the conference. Sir W. J. Lyno considers that British feeling is temperate and conciliatory.