IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 95, 12 June 1911, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

CABLE NEWS By Electric Telegraph—Copyright united ]Ve«Q Association.

DESERTED FAMILKS. RECIPROCAL LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS. London, June 10. Sir J. G. Ward, Prime Minister ol New Zealand, formally moved, “That, in order to relieve deserted wives and children and the poor relief burdens of Britain and her dependencies, reciprocal provision should ho made in respect of destitute and deserted persons.” Dr. J. 0. Findlay, Attorney-Gene-ral of New Zealand, said that reciprocity was needed to enforce the decisions arrived at in one part of the Empire in another. Wife deserters from England at present could not he compelled to contribute in New Zealand except by an expensive process, under the Fugitive Off; ndvvs Act. Similar conditions existed between the Dominions. Ho m peel shortly that legislation won I 1 crisi to enforce an Australian maiii'cnro -c order in New Zealand. Mr A. Fisher, Com .ao-uve lith Prime Minister, said it -could bo beneficial if a federal law existed on the subject, and suggested that refero-ue to tho poor relief burdens oi Britain be omitted, as the Demur, ms had nothing to do with them. Sir .J. G. Ward agreed. Mr John Burns said that ;•.!though they might, agree on tho principle, it was somewhat difficult to tint a practical application. His department considered the enforcement of maintenance orders disproportionate to die benefits derived. If ihe dominions referred the questions to their law officers; he would discuss with the •British* law officers the loasiblsnes* of tho remedy of making v-ile oesertion a doportahle offence. ! |)r. Findlay tlmught tho matter a simple one. \Vhou an order va; issued in New Zealand, he explained, a man could ho called upon ir. London to show cause. Mr Harcourfc suggested that the resolution should read, “In order to secure justice and protection for deserted wives and children, reciprocal legal provision should he adopted.” Dr. Findlay acouiesced, and the motion was carried. The conference adjourned till Monday. BRITAIN AND HER DOMINIONS. Melbourne, June 11. Mr Hughes, Acting-Premier, thinks the Imperial Conference is unlikely to result in material remodelling ol the constitution or tho traditional policy of Britain towards tho over seas Dominions. One good result, however, would ho a greater _ uniformity in legislation ,and less misundcistanding is probable. (Received 12, 8. -10 a.m.) Sydney, June 12. The “Herald” says the result of tlu debate on Mr Harcourt’s proposal at the Imperial Conference for a standing committee of the Dominions’ representatives, was a matter of grave regret and adds: “Wc share in Sir Josepl Ward’s astonishment and Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s dread of any interference by the Imperial authorities with the dominions. The dominion Go-ern ments would have had exactly a: much independence as they have now. together with the added power of be ing able to co-operate with tho United" Kingdom, with a knowledge of what was needed.” PAGEANT OF EMPIRE. (Received 12, 9 a.m.) London, June 11. Tlio fourth part of the Pageant of Empire was a great success, and wa; devoted to overseas episodes, including Cook’s landing and the treaty of Waitangi. BRITISH POLITICSVACANCY IX THE COMMONS. (Received 12, 9 a.m.) London, June 11. A vacancy has been created tor Brighton owing to the Hon. W. Rice succeeding his father as Baron Dynevor. THE FRAM. ON A SCIENTIFIC CRUISE. (Received 12, 9.T5 a.m.) Bcnnos Ayres, Juno ’l. The Fram has started on a si ’-nd'fie cruise between South America -iiu South Africa. BARMABO’S GIRLS. (Received 12, 9.15 a.m.) Loudon, Jaap 11. Tlvoo hundred overseas’ -’.sitors entertained Harnardo’s girls at tlu Garden City, Barkingsido, and inspected tho now hospital provided by Australia and Now Zealand subaenb ers for the use of 1300 inm it 's. CUCCES3FUL CAREER PRCDICYED. (Received 12, 9.fa a.m.) London, Juno 11. Tiie lu'wsmpei's favourably notice N 1 i.ss Leila DouUoday’s recital at the Queen’s Hall. The “Standard” say: there is every prospect of a highly successful career for her.