IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8798, 27 April 1907, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Press As sociation.—Copyright. London, April 26. At the Conference, Lord Tweedmouth on Tuesday asked the Colonies to trust the Admiralty to secure naval defence of the Empire in the future as in the past. They would welcome the Colonies taking some leading part, but the Admiralty claimed to have charge of strategic and coal questions and the command of naval ; forces and distribution of ships so as best | to resist attacks or to defend the Empire. “ We wish the Colonies to give all assistance but we do not come to you as 1 beggars.” The total Colonial subsidies , are £323,000. Government was ready to 1 meet the contributors in a liberal and con- I

cihatory manner, and did not wish P° j insist that contributions should be necessarily in money. They recognised the ; great difference between the condition of j various colonies and were quite ready to enter into any arrangements the Colonies deem advantageous to themselves and the navy. They recognised the natural desire of the autonomous colonies to have a more particular share in providing for naval defence of the Empire. If unity in command and direction of the fleet is maintained, the Government were ready to consider a modification of existing agreements. If the colonies provide for local service in the Imperial ! squadrons smaller vessels which would j be useful against possible raiders or to co-operate with tha squadrons, and also

equip and maintain docks and fitting i establishments, they would be of great ; assistance. Tho provision of coaling ! facilities and naval stores would also be useful. It would be an enormous advantage to find well trained men in the colonies. Small flotillas were admirable means of coast defence, Sir Joseph Ward said New Zealand regarded the Admiralty as the custodian of the navy, and ho indicated that it would cordially co-operate. Mr Deakin said it was helping the Commonwealth to attain its dosiro for naval defence. Sir Joseph Ward continued : New Zea-

lanas neavy expentuiruio ou development rendered it impossible to undertake heavy financial responsibilities for local defence While prepared to contribute more than £40,000 she is willing to -expend part on manning ships. He admitted that in wartime tho whole strategical work and disposition of)ships ought to bo under tho Admiralty. Apropos to manning, he dwelt on the advisability of some system of deferred pay for colonial seamen in order to meet the difficulties of the present dual system

in operation on some warships. Lord Tweedmouth remarked that it was impossible to admit an unlimited number of men to the naval service. He hinted that in future there would he greater concentration of ships in Australian waters, if they were not so frequently on the stations, and they would he bigger

The Conference on Thursday unanimously adopted Australia’s resolution in reference to emigration.

The Emigration Question

At the Conference, speaking onlho resolution with regard to emigration, to Australia, Mr Deakin stated that ho considered the Emigrants’ Information Bureau of little good. His sharp criticism of the conduct of that branch of the Colonial Office disconcerted the officials, particularly the remarks on their attitude as regards recruiting labour in Britain for .Queensland sugar estates. The officials attempted to explain the omissions in tho Bureau’s report on the ground that it was undesirable to say much respecting the Kanaka and White .Australia question.

Mr Deakin retorted that Australia was not ashamed of her treatment of Kanakas or of tho White Australia policy, 'and the Bureau was perfectly at liberty to speak with absolute openness on both questions. Mr Deakin dwelt on the urgent need of increased immigration to A-ustralia, and indicated the sort of people most likely to succeed. Sir Joseph Ward said New Zealand needed carefully selected immigrants, preferably those possessing some capital. Any scheme on the lines outlined by the inter-departmoutal committee would require most careful consideration. Mr John Burns insisted that the Bureau had done valuable work, but Government was considering the advisability of its reorganisation. He stated that the proportion of emigrants proceeding to British colonies as compared with foreign countries was steadily increasing. He did not approve of colonisation by bodies of persons, and thought it was a good opportunity now for the colonies to obtain useful artisan colonists, especially builders. He emphasised the extreme value of child emigration on tho lines of Dr. Barnardo’s homes.

Naturalisation

The subject of naturalisation was raised by New Zealand and the Oape. The resolutions were discussed, and Mr Gladstone explained tho draft Imperial Naturalisation Bill, which was apparently considered satisfactory. Mr Gladstone_ suggested that tho principles of naturalisation be affirmed, and details left to a subsidiary conference. This was considered undesirable, the Conference preferring to examine the subject further. The discussion was adjourned.

Minor Questions

Mr Dcakiu and Sir J. Ward met Mr Asquith and a dozen Treasury experts who said it was impossible to take action regarding double income tax, and the decimal and metric systems. Tho delegates regretted jthat the discussion had proved fruitless. The question of silver coinage was then raised, and officials presented a memorandum showing that it was impossible to agree to Australia’s proposals. Mr Deakin replied that the memorandum did not contain figures enabling him to tost the general reasoning adduced. He wished for information respecting tho apparent profits on the coinage of silver used in Australia.

Mr Asquith directed that tho information should ho supplied. ;" Mr Deakin also asked for figures showing what Canada paid for her subsidiary coinage. Tho discusison was postponed. Tho Imperial Conference to-day is dealing with tho question of a Court of Appeal.

Tho Lighter Side

Sir Charles Wyn 1 ham has 'organised a theatrical reception for the Premiers. All tho leading actors and actresses will be present. “ Tho Premiers dined with the Goldsmith’s Company.

Social Questions

Mr Deakin attended a reception of all the active social reformers in England, and gave details of the Victorian* Wages Board and Australian Arbitration Acts. Much interest in the subjects was aroused.

Nov/ Zealand Immigrants. Mr Reeves states that for the year ended March 31st 3713 emigrants have been sent to Now Zealand under the reduced rate system, including 254 domesttfes; 1846 applications were rejected.