A Sharp Debate.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXI, Issue 12145, 19 April 1907, Page 5

A Sharp Debate.

Lord Elgin Strenuously Opposes the Proposal. LONDON, April 18. A long and sharp, .struggle is proceeding at the Conference over JVfr Deakin's proposal for an independent Secretariat in place of the Colonial Office. Mr Deakin declared that he did not want the Conference to possess executive, or even advisory powers, in a sense conveying any authority to interfere with local self-government, but he did want the Conference to be put on a permanent basis, more regularly organised, and the constitution slightly altered so as to better express its real purpose and character. He suggested that beaijleß the Prime , Ministers/ their Ministerial colleagues be also admitted to lend the assistance required to have the status of self-governing color nies recognised, not only by the presidency of the British Premier, but by cutting the self-governing dominions off altogether from the Colonial Office.

Lord Elgin is fighting tooth and nail against the proposal to diminish the scope and authority of his department.