Britain and the Colonies

Southland Times, Issue 10967, 19 February 1907, Page 2

Britain and the Colonies

MR BALFOUR’S SPEECH, SHIPPING LEGISLATION. Per United Press Association, fly Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, Feb. 17. The Times, commenting as regards the remoteness of any- central Imperial political 'organisation, says Mr Balfour wentV. further than was necessary, since the principle is already recognised in periodic conferences, which might become continuous instead jqJ intermittent. Bith regard to the question of defence, the Times declares that there might be a common consultation ensuring a uniform plan of co-operation. Mr Lloyd George, President of tho Board of Trade, speaking at the Chamber of Shipping baquet, expressed a hope that uniforai, shipping legislation would be adopted throughout the Empire. THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE. SUGGESTED PERMANENT COUNCIL. LONDON, Feb. 18. Received 18th, 9.55 p.m. The Hon. W. P. Reeves suggests that in the event of the Colonial Conference becoming a permanent council and meeting when necessary’, there should be attached thereto an advisory commission in London, consisting of colonial experts and including the High Commissioners and Agents-General. It could collect and tabulate information on all Imperial questions. 'Suph a council would lend to diminish the chances of friction between the Motherland and the colonies. THE NEW HEBRIDES. SOMETHING TO HIDE. LONDON, Feb. 18. Received 19th, 12.12 a.m. The Hon. A. Lyttlcton, in a letter to the newspapers, declares that tho attempt of the Government in connection with the new Hebrides debate to hide and cover France’s responsibility’ was not very brave. The colonies’ objections to the terms of the labour system were not mentioned to the French Government. AN EMIGRATION SCHEME. LONDON, Feb. 17. The Spectator approves of Mr .] ohit Bums’ colony, which provides the rough training necessary for emigrants.