IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1722, 22 November 1884, Page 19

IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

(Spwjiax to Pbkss Association.)

a**u London, November 18. At the meeting of the Conference on Imperial Federation the Marquis of Normanby, the Earl of Wemysß, .Lord Rouebery, Si r y. Dillon Bell, and Mr J. F. Garrick, Agentgeneral for Queensland, supported Sir John M'Donald, Premier of Canada. Mr Murray Smith also stated that he had been directed to sympathise with Canada in guarding her autonomy. Sir Saul Samuel was very cautious in^ expressing an opinion on toe subject. A Federation League has been formed with provision for Colonial branches and the various Agents-general have cabled to theit respective Governments for permission to join in the management of it. It was stated Mat the parleying which had taken place between England and Germany in regard to New Ireland and New Britain did not commit England in any way, and Mr Romilly will •till continue to act as "Deputy High Oommiß■loner. New South Wales opposes the sug§?*jlLJ)f ****' I)Brb y * hat a Ocunoh <tf Advioe to assist Major-general Scratchley •hould be formed. The English Government

will not supplement the vote for the establishment of the New Guinea protectorate. Sir F. Dillon Bell, supported by tha several Agents, urged Lord Derby to strongly oppose, the deportation of recidiviates to New Caledonia. His Lordship promised that pressure would be brought to bear in the matter. Sir Arthur Blytb, Agent-general for South {Australia, was not present.