OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 3502, 4 December 1894, Page 5

OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

(BY ELECTRIC TKLKGRAPH-COPYRIGHI), London, December 1. Lord/Jersey, in his report on tie Canadian Conference, states that the proposals of the Conference are sound, practical, and of great Imperial ad* vantage. He advises generous consideration at the hands of the Imperial Government, and asserts that, so far as he ean see, there is no serious objection to the removal of the disability of Australia to enter into differential relations with other British colonies. Great Britain, he thinks, might consider whether, without renouncing her treaties, it is possible to induce Bel. gium and Germany to abrogate the clause restraining the colonies in the matter, and he considers that Great Britain is unable at present to accede to a preferential agreement with the colonies, because it would create a new Customs barrier against foreign produce. Referring to the Canadian* • Australian mail steamers, he says the requisite subsidy of £75,000 from the Imperial Government could easily be provided by diverting half of the mail poundage from the New York lines to the Canadian route, plus the Admiralty subvention for the steamers to act as cruisers in time of war. He declare* that the dangers of fogs and icebergs is exaggerated, and he speaks in the highest terms of the foresight and patriotism of the Dominion of Canada in granting a subsidy. The failure of the scheme, Earl Jersey thinks, must depend on Australian action. He admits the strategical and commercial advantages of the proposed Pacific .cable, but refrains from recommending it. He recognises the great.enterprise 'of the Eastern Cable Company, but .does not'admit they are entitled to acable monopoly in Australia.