IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14450, 24 May 1911, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

OVERSEAS PREMIERS. LUNCHING WITH THE KING. Press Association—By Tel. —Copyright. LONDON, May 22. The Prince of Wales, tho Duke and Duchess of Connauyht, tho Duko and Duchess of Argyle, Mr and Mr* AsCjiiith, and Mr and Mrs Tlarcourt, were present at the King's .lunch to t»he overseas Prenrol's. Tlio King chatted with the delegates individually for half an hour. There were no speeches. The other guests were officials from tho Colonial Office and ladies and gentlemen of the Court. Dr and' Mrs Eindlay were among thoso present. / At the King's luncheon Lady Ward sat on his Majesty's left and Princess Christian on his right. GROWTH OP TILE UMPIRE. REMARKS BY SIR JOSEPH WARD. Sir Joseph Ward in an interview, said that the Empire was so big and scattered and growth was so rapid that the necessity of devising a method of united act.'on in great emergencies was of vital interest. It was essential to have in peace time a system wliic.h "Would always be ready and effective for operation in tune of war. He expressed the hope that tho Conference would be convinced that it was possible to erect machinery for the accomplishment of this purpose. Within a quarter of a century the overseas dominions would bo more powerful in population, wealth and production than the Motherland to-day. Ho iv.is referring not to accumulated wealth, but to direct productiveness of soil and industries. Tlis voice of the Dominions must be heard in matters concerning the Empire as a lvliofe, The 'lightest and best intellects of the Old Country, and the new ought to combine in producing a system invigorating the body and limbs of the greatest Umpire the world has sceu. A GOOD OMEN. The "Daily Mail" asks is it not a good omen that the Coronation Conference will happen in the name year of the lost conference, which was directly or indirectly, responsible for tlie confederation of Australia, and South Africa, the creation of colonial armies and navies, the redaction of tariffs against British goods, and poiinv postage, wlrch were even more important than the effect tho conferences have had on the opinions and tendencies of policy throughout tie Empire.

THE CONFE7I.ENCE OPENED. Tlis Imperial Conference 6its four mornings weekly at the Foreign Office, but mil hold other meetings according to necessity.

The Conference will opeoa to-morroiv (Tuesday) and it is likely that tho I ress mil be admitted'to the Premier's speech welcoming the delegates, and it will he decided afterwards whether reporters shall he admitted to the proceedings.

Received 12.10 a.m. ■ May 24th WHAT THE CONFERENCE MAY DO The "Chronicle" anticipates as the first development of the" Conference, recognition of tho national status of the omin-ions by separating the rest of the colonics. Th 0 programme shows •how large is the sphere of co-operation in various matters.

FORECAST OP THE .'"TIMES." The 'Times" says tKat tho Imperial Conferences of 1006 established the equal national status of five constituent parts, and declared, itself. Conference of governments with governments. As such it re-assembles in 1911. The question of national status being settled, the question of .national responsibility takes its place. Shall these governments have five foreign policies or be jointly responsible for one policy? There can be no doubt about the- answer tliey will gii e. Sentiment indicates it, even more clearly than interest, for come what may. peonies of the Empire are determined to be one. But sentiment will not solve how in riractie© a single policy is to be maintained. That is the pressing problem this Conference must face. The need can only be met by closer touch between the five Cabinets during all the months of every year. The Conference may not be able to agree on an immediate star) towards that end, bnt it will have "done much if it. ct.lv demonstrates the urgency of the step. At the jiresent Conference foreign relations and defence will be for the first time the main subject of discussion.

SHOULD BE OPEN TO' THE PRESS. Reeeivsd II p.m.. Mav 23rd. LONDON,'M.iv 23. The "Express" says tbafc ' "Onc-e every four years tho Prhne Ministers of the Dominions spend a month in England, n.ud we show our sense of the privilege of Retting to know what fW have to say, by making it impossible to hoar their voices." . Tho "Morning Leader" hopes that without impairing the efficiency of tho Conference a satisfactory method will ho found of gratifying tho very natural public desire to hear what such welcome visitors as Sir W. Lauricr, Mr Botha, and 3lr Fisher have to sav. A GRAND RECEPTION. The Foreign Office reception to the overseas delegates wtus the Isrgost and most brilliant of recent years. Every member of botili Houses of every Privy Councillor, many high officials and colonial residents were inVjted. Lord Bcauchamp was the official Jiost on behalf of the Government entertainment committee. The entiance hall and staircase were converted into a fairyland of flowery the national colour® j>redoir,mating.