IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8799, 29 April 1907, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Press Association —Copyright. London, April 27. • The Conference discussed but did not adopt Mr Deakiu’a proposal that it is desirable to establish an Imperial Court of Appeal. It carried Cape Colony’s resolution affirming the importance of maintaining the appellate jurisdiction of the King-in-Council, also' a resolution submitted by Mr Botha, supported by Dr Jameson and Mr Moor, affirming the principle of a court of appeal for United South Africa. Mr Daakin remarked that the Privy Council was, not altogether acceptable to Australia. If one uniform court was impossible Australia desired an order-in-connoil giving the colony power to transfer its appeals to the House of Lords ■if it so wished. This left the other colonies who desired no change free to do as they liked. Sir Wilfred Laurier said the findings of the Privy Council were generally approved in Canada. ~ „ , Sir Joseph Ward was generally satisfied with existing arrangements, but did not object to a uniform Court of Appeal, if practicable, to advise in colonial Privy Council cases. A judge of tbe Supreme Court of the colony affected should sit with the Judicial Committee without taking part in argument or decision, merely supplying information regarding colonial law. He believed a New Zealand judge on leave would be generally available when New Zealand made appeals. Lord Loreburn, referring to Mr Deakin, argued there would bo no real advantage to displace the Judicial Committee. Already experienced colonial judges assisted the Judicial Committee. Lord Loreburn claimed that last year’s appeal work was expeditiously disposed of. He concurred with Sir Joseph Ward’s suggestion, and stated that fusion of the House of Lords and the Judicial Committee had not been adequately discussed in .the United Kingdom as a practicable measure, but Judges and Lords of the Appeal Court are already available for service on the Judicial Committee. The proposed review at Aldershot in honor of the Premiers was cancelled owing to rain.

Sir Joseph Ward. Sir Joseph Ward will return by the Mooltau, sailing on May 34. Criticism of Botha. The Berlin Boersonzoitzuug and other German papers make a vehement attack on Botha for having entered the conqueror’s service and having become the lion of the Loudon season. Mr Winston Churchill gave a banquet to the Premiers. Mr Deakin spent the week end m the Isle of Wight.