THE NATURALISATION QUESTION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12765, 16 June 1911, Page 5

THE NATURALISATION QUESTION.

PROPOSALS BY, ME. CHUKCHILL

CARRIED.

(United Pre^s. Association.—Copyn^nt.i

LONDON, June 14

At the Imperial Conference, tne Eight Hon. Winston Chur. hill, dealing with the Honv E. L. Bat heloi's motion, said that uniformity was important and would bo a groat advan« tago if it could remedy the present inconveniences. Any syotom must bo based on the assent of the lo:al Parliaments. A draft, Bill must notxbe vugarded as final or perfect, but as simply a peg to hang a discussion on. Each Dominion must jud c of its o.\h conditions under the certificates granted. If ofFect be given to the wishes expressed, they must; fate two stafdarcU of ni-tnralisation-^on'o Joal andtne Imper-ials-Britain would not depart from the five years' qualifying period. He suggested that any person obtaining n Dominion's certifi ate could apply for the Imperial 'certificate. It would thus I c possible to*a]l6*\v existing diversities t<- ontinuo, ancl'it would be competent for the Pomin'oris to legislate to pro vent ar. Imperial certificate being issued where; naturalisation was refused in a particular Dominion. He suggested, • firstly, that - Imperiftl nationality sbould-l/e world^wido and uniform, each Dominion remaining free to grant local certificates on its "own lines. Se ondly, I.lie Mother Country finds it necessary to maintain the five years' tjualifyini? period, biit qinnqtienniuin in the United Kingdonl; thirdly, the granting of an Imperial nationity in every case to be dis retionai'y, this discretion to be exercised by thb^e resjjosisible in tho area -where the applicant spent the last twclyo months an Imperial Act should be .^o^framodf as to enable Dominions to a'clopi it; fifthly, nothin? now proposed .shall.-affect the validity or effectiveness <)f local laws regulating imjni^ration pi' differentiating between the class of British subjects. ' Mr. 'Churchill continuing, suggested that the Bill be redrafted according to thu suggestions, and submitted to con-, sideration as soon, as possible.

Dr. Findlay said.,, that some needless duplication/ ili'V'^gaid to local and Imlorial applicatioiis .might, ho avoided by an Imperial statute. Jt would then lo open to the Dominions to! adopt it or not. -

The Hon. E. L. Babchelor said that Mr. Churchill's sxiggestions overcame' most of the difficulties. It would be .convenient to set' up an Imperial stan-

dard. ' / Mr. ChurJiili inoyed his suggestions as a resolution, which was carried.