THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1572, 23 April 1887, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

London, Aril 19. At the Imperial Conference to-day the subject under discussion was postal communication between the different parts of the . British Empire. Sir Henry Holland proposed that the snbJ ject be divided into four parts—first, the establishment of a penny posts! rate throughout the Empire in connection with Mr Henniker Heaton’s scheme; second, the terms upon which Australian and South African Colonies may join the Postal Union ; third, Australian mail contracts ; fourth, reduction in mail charges between the continent of Europe - nd the Australian Colonies. Mr Heaton’s penny postageproposals, with the Postmaster-General’s remarks on the same, were submitted to the conference. Mr Heaton gave bis views, and consented to draw up a memorandum on the subject, which will he presented to the Conference in five days. The delegates were almost unanimously ot the opinion that the colonies would not consent to the establishment of a penny postage system, as they would he unwilling to sacrifice their revenue. Sir Graham Berry and Sir haul Samuel ioggested that possibly the letter rate via Brindisi might be reduced to sixpence, and by direct steamer to threepence or fourpence. Mr Cecil Raikss said that, until the convention with France and Italy, was varied, all mails must be sent via Brindisi at the present rates. Anri I 90.

The Cable question was before the Conference to-day. Sir Saul Samuel thought it would be unwise to hastily supersede the Eastern Extension Company. Mr Downer opposed the new company. Mr Deakin, Sir S. Griffitths and Sir F. D.Bell, were favorably inclined to the new Company. Mr Raihes was gusrded in his answer, but was understood to hint that Governwas unlikely at present to grant the subsidy demanded. The company asked for *IOO,OOO for twenty-five years, with a four-shilling rate between Europe and the colonies. April 21.

The Conference has adopted the principal points of the scheme of naval defence. The Duke of Oombridge advocated an analagous system for tbe land forces. Mr Deakin stated that the colonies were strongly in favor of federation of the Empire, and satirised the prevailing ignorance in England of tbe aspirations of the colonies. A banquet was given by St, George’s Club last night in honor of the delegates to the Conference, i mmmmmm—mmmmmmmmmm—mrn