THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5881, 21 March 1887, Page 4

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

IBY BL-WTHI9 TSLEGRAPU — COP THIGH? .| Meetings to be Private. [EBTJTWB'fI TBLIBOBAMB.] LONDON, March 19. Ia the House of Lords to-day, replying to a question put by the Earl of. Harrowby, Earl Onslow, UnderSecretary of State for the Colonies, stated that the Government attached great importance to the approaching Imperial Conference, and would heartily welcome representatives from the Crown Colonies. Representatives from nearly every British Colony would, he added, attend the opening of the Conference. [Special to Fhbss Association.] LONDON, MAnon 17. With the exception of the firßt meeting, the sitting of the Imperial Conference will be held with closed doors. Crown Colonies are not officially represented, but Sir Henry Holland has invited several gentlemen specially conversant with the Crown Colonies to attend the opening, and they will be permitted to attend subsequent meetings when matters of which they have knowledge are under consideration. Sir Henry Holland will preside when convenient, and in his absence Lord Onslow will take the chair. Mr W. A. Baillie Hamilton, Private Secretary of the Colonial Office, will act as Secretary of the Conference. A feeling of regret is widespread at the decision to hold the meetings in private, as the various newspapers had made elaborate preparations for reporting the proceedings. An opinion prevails that the Queen ought to open the Conference. The Carlton Club admit the members of Conference as honorary members, which is quite unprecedented so far as the Club is concerned.