THE CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13877, 15 April 1907, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE.

REPORTING THE PROCEEDINGS. THE PRIME MINISTERS DISSATISFIED'. LONDON, April 13. (Received April 14, at 4.'!0 p.m.) Mr Dsakin, on behalf of the colonial Prime Ministers, strongly. urged Lard Elgin to admit tho press to the Colonial Conference. Ko declared that tho Prime Ministers did not leave their posts for four months to sit with closed doors and keep their constituents .in ignorance of what waa done. Tho Prime Minister elates that British Ministers will attend the conference when the business affects their departments. I It is expected that Sir H. CampbellBannerman will offer sv cordial welcome to tho delegates, but will only make the barest reference to the outline of the programme. The Tinws' announcement that Sir H. Canipbcll-Bannermnn will address the confereuco al tho opening has been received with general satisfaction. (Received April 15, at 0.13 a.m.) Sir Francis Hopwood states that the press "will bo excluded from tho opening of the Imperial 'Conference, which will itself determine the subsequent procedure. It is believed that Sir Henry CampbellBannerman will merely formally welcome the Prime Ministers and make non-com-liiittal reference to tho programme, leaving Lord Elgin to conduct the proceed-

The Prime Ministers are very dissatisfied with tho arrangements. Mr Deakin warmly advocates the fullest publicity' regarding almost all the [piestions to be discussed. Hg has written to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman protesting against secrecy and insisting upon at least a- pretty full daily precis of the results, disclosing the sentiments of the different speakers. Lord Elgin hopes that 15 sittings, extending to May 8, will be sufficient, though this is considered doubtful. April 14. (Keceivctl April 16. at 1.11 a.m. Mr Botha and Sir W. Laurier have arrived to attend the conference. NEW HEBRIDES CONVENTION,

ATTITUDE OF SIR J. G. WARD AND • MB DEAKIN. LONDON, April 13. (Received April 15, at 0.27 a.m.) Mr Deakin and Sir J. G. Ward have received no invitation to appoint representatives to any Anglo-French Committee to consider tlio salaries and the conditions of service of the officials of tho joint COlH't in connection with the New Hebrides convention. They arc rather disposed not to assume any responsibility in the matter, since they were not' consulted. ilr Deakin will raise the' whole mailer at the Colonial Conference at the earliest opportunity, including the question of French steamers conveying intoxicants to tho group.

AUSTRALASI AN MERCHANTS' BANQUET. ■ . . LONDON', April 13.' (Received April 15, at 0.27 a.m.) At tho Australasian' merchants' banquet at. the .Trocadcro there were 150 guests, including several of the , Australian exGovernors and others prominently connected with the colonies: also the Agents-generali Lord Jersey presided. Mr Daatin and Sir W. J. I /Tne delivered speeches dealing with questions connected with Australian trade and preference.

A LIBERAL GATHERING.

LONDON. April 13. deceived April 14. at 4.40 p.m.) Mr Doakin and Mr Hughes were entertained at luncheon to-day by the editor of the Daily Chronicle at 'the National Liberal Club, whew they met, a dozen editors of Liberal newspapers.

AUSTRALIAN COMMERCE. LO'XDON. April 13. (Received April 14. at 5 p.m. Sir W. J. Lvnft will address a meetm* of J-omlon merchants on the trade and commerce of Australia.