THE PREMIER'S VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA AND THE REPRESENTATION OF NEW ZEALAND AT THE CORONATION OF HIS MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII. AND THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES AND THE PRIME MINISTERS OF THE SELF-GOVERNING COLONIES, JUNE TO AUGUST, 1902.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, A-04

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1903. NEW ZEALAND.

THE PREMIER'S VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA AND THE REPRESENTATION OF NEW ZEALAND AT THE CORONATION OF HIS MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII. AND THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES AND THE PRIME MINISTERS OF THE SELF-GOVERNING COLONIES, JUNE TO AUGUST, 1902.

Laid on the Table of both Houses by Leave.

It will be recollected that last year New Zealand received an invitation from His Majesty's Government to be represented at the coronation of His Gracious Majesty King Edward VII., and also that the Prime Minister should attend in London a Conference of Premiers of the great self-governing colonies of the Empire with the Secretary of State for the Colonies. In compliance with that invitation I proceeded to the Mother-country as the representative of the colony at the coronation and the Colonial Conferehco, and in view of the great importance of the occasion as an epoch-marking event in the history of our Empire, I deem it right to put on record, and for the information of honourable members, the subjoined memorandum, giving briefly a summarised account of my commission. E. J. Seddon. Wellington, 14th July, 1903.

MEMORANDUM. In response to several invitations to visit South Africa, including one from General Lord Kitchener, commanding the British forces, the Premier determined to go Home by that route. More particularly was he induced to avail himself of the opportunity of visiting South Africa in view of the prominent part New Zealand had taken in connection with the Boer war. He felt that it would enable him to gain at first hand much valuable information that would prove of utility both in regard to his mission in England and to the colony generally. Accordingly, the Premier left New Zealand on the 14th April, 1902, and landed at Durban on the 17th May. He was there met by General Lyttelton, representing Lord Kitchener, by General Baden Powell, and by the Mayor and burgesses of the city. The following addresses were presented, and the Premier, believing these were more as a tribute to the colony than to himself personally, deems it advisable to give the same in this memorandum : — . To the Right Honourable Eichaed John Seddon, P.C., LL.D., Premier of New Zealand. Sir,— On behalf of the burgesses of Durban we beg.to accord to you and Mrs. Seddon a hearty welcome to this borough. We desire to express to you, as representing loyal New Zealand, our high appreciation of the brilliant services rendered by your fellow-colonists in the cause of freedom in South Africa, the splendid exhibition of loyalty thus displayed having strengthened the bonds that unite us as children of the same great Mother-country. We rejoice that our commercial relations with you have largely increased, and we trust that socially, commercially, and politically Natal and New Zealand may become more and more intimately connected, to our mutual advantage. We regret that your stay in Durban must be so short, and desire to take this opportunity of voicing the strong feeling of admiration entertained by all classes of our community for the patriotic services you have rendered to the Empire, and trust you may long be spared to continue this good work. We heartily wish you a pleasant visit to the Home-land, where a grateful people will be rejoiced to welcome one who has done so much for the British Empire, that you may have a profitable intercourse with the other Premiers of the Empire, and that Mrs. Seddon and yourself may return in safety to your home in New Zealand. Ernest E. Accutt, Mayor. On behalf of the Town Council and Burgesses of Durban, Town House, Durban, 14th May, 1902. G. Gooles, Town Clerk. I—A. 4.

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To the Eight Honourable Eichard John Seddon, P.C., M.H.R., LL.D., Prime Minister of New Zealand. Sir, — We desire, on behalf of the Yorkshire and Lancashire Association of Durban and district, to offer you a sincere and hearty welcome on this your first visit to our adopted country. We are proud to recognise in you a distinguished son of one of the counties which our association represents. Your services to that great and world-wide Empire to which we all belong are so well known that your name has become worthily familiar wherever the English language is spoken. The ready and liberal assistance, largely influenced by your patriotic efforts, afforded to this country during the present war by the colony of which you are the honoured Premier has done much towards consolidating in unity of purpose the Anglo-Saxon race throughout the world. That you may long be spared to continue the good work to which you have set your hand is the earnest wish of the association. Sir John Eobinson, K.C.M.G., President. M. S. Evans, \ C. Woodhead, -Vice-presidents. J. E. Anderton, ) (Committee.) J. Bennett, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. One with Britain Heart and Soul, One Life, One Flag, One Throne. Durban, South Africa, 15th May, 1902. From Durban the Premier proceeded to Pietermaritzburg, where he was the guest of His Excellency the Governor, Sir Henry McCallum, and thence through the great Natal battlefields— Colenso, Hart's Hill, Pieter's Hill, Ladysmith—to Johannesburg. At Newcastle the Seventh New Zealand Contingent were reviewed before their depature on their return to the colony. On arrival at Johannesburg the following addresses were presented:— Sir — On behalf of the inhabitants of Johannesburg we welcome you to our town, and take advantage of your visit to acknowledge your great services to the Empire. South Africa generally, and we especially of the Transvaal, owe you and your country a debt of gratitude that words cannot repay for your practical and untiring interest in our cause. The fact that the Tenth Contingent is now on its way to the scene of conflict is undeniable proof of this, and that the people of southern Britain are united in their love for and determination to uphold the honour of the Mother-country. The self-denying efforts of the people of New Zealand have done much to further the great cause of Imperial federation, an end that can now be regarded as within the sphere of practical politics. We trust you may be long spared to take an active part in the work of welding the Mothercountry and her colonies into one great federation having common aspirations for the moral and material welfare of the varied peoples that own the sovereignty of His Most Gracious Majesty the King. Signed on behalf of the Municipality— W. St. John Carr, Deputy Chairman of Town Council. Arthur Bonham Carter, Johannesburg, 17th May, 1902. Acting Town Clerk. We, the undersigned, on behalf of the branches of the South African League, beg to tend to you a hearty welcome on your visit to South Africa. We feel that South Africa owes a debt of gratitude to New Zealand for the noble services rendered by its sons to the Empire during the present war. We desire to express to you our high appreciation of the statesmanlike and truly Imperialistic policy which you have followed during your tenure of office, and to assure you, on behalf of the members of our organization, how deeply touched we were by the solicitude you and our fellowBritish subjects in New Zealand during the last hours of our lamented President, the Eight Hon. C. J. Rhodes. We trust that, before many years have passed, not only will all His Majesty's possessions in South Africa be joined together in one federation, but that also a federation throughout the Empire will have been brought about which will unite us closer to New Zealand and the other colonies whose people have rendered such inestimable service to the cause of the Empire in South Africa. E. G. Brabant, Senior Vice-president. C. A. Owen Lewis, Joint General Secretary. An interesting journey was made to Klerksdorp, where the column under General lan Hamilton was to arrive from the last of the great drives which helped to hasten the end of the war. The New Zealand Eighth Contingent, under Colonel Davies, formed one of the divisions, and Colonel Davies was in command of a column. New Zealand had therefore the honour of having its first contingent to land direct from Australasia, while its Eighth Contingent took part in the last drive of the campaign. At Potchefstroom the men wounded in the railway disaster to the South Island Battalion of our Eighth Contingent were visited in the military hospital. And, indeed, the Premier throughout his tour in South Africa made a point of visiting wherever possible all the New-Zea-

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landers who were sick or invalided in the various military hospitals. It will be remembered that the Boer delegates were in conference as to peace negotiations at this time, and at Pretoria the Premier had the honour of a long interview with His Excellency Lord Milner and with Lord Kitchener. The Ninth New Zealand Contingent were inspected at Vereeniging, where the main body of the peace delegates were located, and on arrival at Bloemfontein the following address was presented from the Town Council:— To the Eight Honourable Richard John Seddon, P.C., LL.D., Premier of the Colony of New Zealand. Sir, — On behalf of the citizens in Bloemfontein we beg to offer you and Mrs. Seddon a very hearty welcome to this city. We desire to express to you our acknowledgment of the distinguished services rendered by you to the great and world-wide Empire to which we now also have the honour to belong, and we feel assured that the great sacrifices made and the splendid services still being rendered by your fellow-colonists in New Zealand, as well as by those from other parts of His Majesty's dominions, will result in strengthening and drawing closer the bonds that unite us all as children of the Mother-country. We regret that your arrangements do not permit of your making sufficient stay to partake of the hospitality which we desired to tender you, but we take this opportunity of wishing you and Mrs. Seddon a pleasant voyage to the Old Country, and express the hope that your deliberations with the other Premiers of the Empire may result in great and lasting good. We remain, &c, W. Eeid, Mayor. W. Olds, H. J. Barlow, W. F. Hornby, W. Welbick, H. F. Gill, A. Witt, A. Curling, ' Councillors. W. D. Koller, Town Clerk. Town House, Bloemfontein, 22nd May, 1902. The Municipality of Beaconsfield, a suburb of Kimberley, also presented the following address : — The Citizens of Beaconsfield to the Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon, Prime Minister of the Colony of New Zealand. Town Hall, Beaconsfield, Victoria Day, 24th May, 1902. To the Eight Hon. R. J. Seddon, Prime Minister of the Colony of New Zealand. SirAs the Premier of that portion of the Empire which may be appropriately designated " the British Isles of the Southern Seas," it is with feelings of the utmost pleasure that we extend to you, on behalf of the inhabitants of Beaconsfield, a cordial welcome to the diamond-fields of South Africa on this the occasion of your first visit. We also desire to express to you our acknowledgment of the noble and patriotic manner in which your volunteers came to our aid in the troublous times we have recently encountered, and would more especially mention the members of the First Contingent who were included in the force that came to our relief. The priceless services of your colonists will never be forgotten, and will remain as one of the strongest links in the chain which now binds together more firmly the Home-country, its colonies, and dependencies. Wishing you further honour and distinction at the coronation of His Most Gracious Majesty, and a most enjoyable tour. We have, &c, John M. Pratley, Mayor. G. A. Blackbeard, \ J. Molyneaux, W. Austin Knight, E. Jones, I Members of the Municipal C. F. Cogle, t Council of Beaconsfield. C. Sohoum, Joseph Troup, Thomas Pratley, I J. Hopwood Thorp, Town Clerk. At Kimberley five addresses were presented to the Premier, as follows: — To the Eight Honourable Richard J. Seddon, Premier of the Colony of New Zealand. Sir, — We, the Mayor and Borough Councillors of Kimberley, for ourselves and on behalf of the citizens of Kimberley generally, beg to offer you a sincere and hearty welcome to this town. While we are mindful of your great work in New Zealand during the past ten years—a period of exceptional progress and development in every branch of State activity and commercial enterprise—we desire more particularly on this occasion to express our keen and heartfelt appreciation of the signal services which you have rendered in the wider field of Imperial statesmanship. We

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feel that the generous alacrity displayed by New Zealand in furnishing help to the Mother-country during the present war has afforded a bright example, which the other colonies have not been slow to follow. As the Parliament of New Zealand—stimulated, sir, by your patriotic eloquence—was the first to offer colonial aid, so the contingents so freely sent from your colony to South Africa have proved themselves second to none in the skill and bravery that they have displayed in many a stricken battlefield. The conduct of the New-Zealanders in the present war has, we are convinced, been worthy of the best traditions of our common race, and, while adding fresh distinction to the British arms, has materially aided to bring the present war within measurable distance of an early and triumphant issue. We had hoped that your arrangements might have admitted of a longer stay, but, although we cannot claim the attractions your own colony presents, we trust you will carry away pleasant recollections of your visit to Kimberley, a town second to none in loyalty to the Throne and Empire. Signed on behalf of the Borough Council and Citizens of Kimberley—Kimberley, 24th May, 1902. W. H. Foley, Mayor. To the Eight Honourable R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand. Sir — We, the members of the North of England Association, comprising natives of the six northern counties of England resident in Kimberley, desire to accord to you a hearty welcome on your visit to Kimberley. We could have wished that your stay amongst us had been of longer duration, but nevertheless beg to express our sincere pleasure that this opportunity of meeting you has been afforded us. Your career in the sister-colony of New Zealand has long been a source of keen delight, and the robust nature of your truly Imperial policy has evoked widespread admiration. The unique position occupied by the colony you so ably represent and control as the foremost community in advanced freedom of government we are pleased to ascribe in a great measure to you, and we trust, sir, that you may long be spared to continue to direct the destinies of your adopted land and guide its progress in the paths of freedom, and to the strengthening of the bond, which we pray will long continue to bind the Empire indissolubly. Wishing you a pleasant vacation and a safe return to that land which justly glories in the possession of your services, We have, &c, W. Nichol, President. J. Liddell, ), r ~ J. G. LAWN,| Vlce -P reßldents - T. Lorney, Secretary. Kimberley, 24th May, 1902 ("Victoria Day "). To the Eight Honourable E. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand. Sir — We, the members of the Griqualand West Branch of the Guild of Loyal Women of South Africa, gladly avail ourselves of this opportunity of tendering to you a very hearty welcome to Kimberley. Representing as you do the loyal women of New Zealand, who have so unselfishly and nobly given of their dearest and best to uphold in this land the unity and integrity of the Empire, we would fain' express to them through you our heartfelt appreciation of the unprecedented sacrifices they have made, and of the brave and splendid manner in which the sons of New Zealand have upheld the honour and high reputation of their country. Our sincere sympathy goes forth to those who mourn, and the care of the graves of those who have fallen in this campaign has been and will be a labour of love to our guild. We have, &c. (Signed on behalf of the Guild), Maria W. Redpath, President. Lottie Stark, Secretary. A. Foley, Mayoress. To the Right Honourable R. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand. On behalf of the Kimberley and Beaconsfield Branches of the South African League we have great pleasure in welcoming you on this your first visit to the diamond-fields. We appreciate very highly the motives which have induced you to visit South Africa, which we take to be a desire personally to acquaint yourself with the condition of affairs here, and are confident that the knowledge you have so acquired will be of great value to yourself, to the British Empire, and to this country. We have heard with enthusiasm of the many noble expressions of your love and loyalty for the British Empire, of which the whole of South Africa is now an integral part. We are in entire accord with your views as to the imposition of a differential duty upon importation of goods other than those of Great and Greater Britain, and hope in due course that this country will come into line with the other colonies on this important question. On many a hard-fought field New Zealand has shown its devotion to the Empire, in whose cause many of her noblest sons have fallen; their bodies are for ever with us, left in loving care of the loyal daughters of the Empire. With full hearts we thank you and New Zealand for the help rendered to us in our hour of need.

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We wish you god-speed on your way to that stately ceremony, the coronation of our beloved King, whither in heart we all of us follow you. P. E. Mallett, Chairman, Kimberley Branch. C. A. Blackbeard, Chairman, Beaconsfield Branch. To the Right Honourable R. J. Seddon, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Sir — The members of the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce have great pleasure in tendering to you their hearty welcome on the occasion of your visit to the diamond-fields. They have noted with the greatest interest and satisfaction the way in which New Zealand and the other Australian Colonies have nobly spent of their best in defence of the Empire during the protracted war in South Africa, and thus have assisted in proving to the world that the Mother-country cannot be attacked with impunity, but that in such an event all her children will rally round her, as they have done in the present war. The members of the Chamber are in full sympathy with you in your advocacy of the principle of differential duties upon the importation of goods from other countries than Great Britain and her colonies, and trust ere long to see South Africa falling in with the other colonies on this most vital question. The Chamber wish you a safe voyage to England, an enjoyable holiday, and a safe return to your home ; and, lastly, they trust that your visit both to South Africa and to England will be the means of cementing the bonds of union and affection between the Mother-country and all her possessions. Signed on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce — W. T. Anderson, Chairman. Kimberley, 24th May, 1902. Wm. F. Cranswick, Secretary. From Kimberley the Premier proceeded through Cape Colony to Cape Town, where he received the following four addresses :— To the Right Honourable Richard John Seddon, P.C., LL.D., Premier of New Zealand. Sir — We, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Cape Town, desire to convey to you a most hearty greeting and welcome on behalf of the citizens of the capital of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope. We would take this opportunity of expressing our admiration of the patriotic devotion of the gallant citizen soldiers of New Zealand who sprung to arms ere the Empire's war-drums called for volunteers from the dominions beyond the seas. We congratulate you and the colony you so worthily represent upon the arrival of the Tenth Contingent in South Africa. For the noble work accomplished by the New Zealand forces during the campaign we cherish the deepest regard—work which will be mentioned for all time with reverence and affection by loyal lips across the deserts and in the peopled places of our beloved land. To yourself we feel our debt of obligation, for at a most critical time in the affairs of the Empire your outspoken prognostications so correctly represented the thoughts and feelings of the British race beyond the United Kingdom in regard to the Imperial policy in South Africa. We are conscious of the inestimable value of the services which you thus rendered to the Imperial Government, as also of the import of your action in the cause of the confederation of the Empire. You will henceforth take your place among the great statesmen of our race, who, rising above the prejudices of the age, the fears of party, and the clamour of opponents, have guarded the Throne and saved the Empire. Your Ministerial career has commanded the esteem and admiration of this city and our nation by noble acts of disinterestedness in favour of the people of which we can scarcely find precedent, and we entertain no doubt, from the superior ability and purity of public virtue which distinguish you, of the success which will attend your labours in any extended sphere of public usefulness in which it may please His Majesty to place you. In conclusion, we beg to assure you that our affectionate regards and our earnest wishes will follow you amidst the rejoicing welcomes which await you in the Old Country. Given under our Common Seal, in the City of Cape Town, this 19th day of May, 1902. W. Thorne, Mayor. J. Robert Finch, Town Clerk. To the Right Honourable R. J. Seddon, P.C., LL.D., &c, Premier of New Zealand. Dear Sir, — We, the working-men of Cape Town and suburbs, beg to offer our sincere congratulations on your safe arrival in this colony, and bid you a very hearty welcome. We know of the great interest you have always evinced in the welfare of the masses in the Britain of the South, and of the great esteem and confidence reposed in you as the first Minister of that democratic colony, and as the true representative of the people. The significant fact that you are accompanied by a representative of the brave Maori people, who as good colonists share with the British people in the government of your colony, is an exemplification of the liberal policy that you and your colleagues have adopted in giving equal rights without regard to colour or birth.

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We are proud to welcome you as a patriot, statesman, and friend, and are deeply grateful for the unflinching support you have given us in the prosecution of the unhappy war still raging in South Africa, thus cementing the ties of our common brotherhood, the unity of our great Empire, and the kinship of its scattered colonies. We sincerely trust that your brief visit to these colonies will not be without its influence for good, and that the intending Conference of colonial Premiers in London will tend to the further consolidation of the Empire and the mutual good of all classes of colonists. Trusting that you and your family, and the other members of your distinguished party, will return in improved health, and with renewed vigour of mind and body, to continue your labours in the future as you have done in the past. For the working-classes, Thomas Harris, Chairman. E. G. Glass, Hon. Sec. William Smith. E. J. Farqher. Donald Matson Chettle. Tom Carey. Francis Sewell. Thomas Dixon. John Carver. William Rosslind. Joseph Twomey. A. Broster. Alexander Calder. Cape Town, 26th May, 1902. The Right Honourable R. J. Seddon, P. 0., Cape Town. Right Honourable Sir, — On this the occasion of your visit to South Africa, on your way to England to represent New Zealand at the coronation ceremony, we, the undersigned New-Zealanders at present resident in Salisbury, Rhodesia, take this opportunity of expressing our high appreciation of the spirit in which you have displayed to the world the unswerving loyalty of the Colony of New Zealand to the Mother-country. It has also been a source of extreme gratification to us to note the prompt and effective manner in which you have replied to the calumnies appearing in the columns of the Continental Press. That you may long be spared in your present sphere of activity to carry on the work of Imperialism you have so ably inaugurated is our sincere wish. We are, &a., J. B. Macdonald. A. TuHoch. V. Finlayson. W. S. Macdonald. E. A. Burgess. Wm. B. Parker. W. W. Shelmerdine. J. Honan. T. B. Caygill. W. D. Williamson. H. J. Ponsonby. A. Topp. W. G. Whittington. A. Siggins. A. Cavgill. John H. Smith. D. Wight. E. Scott. John de Pay Birch. " Kia Ora ; Akb, Are." To the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, P.C. Sir — We, the undersigned residents of Port Elizabeth and district, Cape Colony, and formerly of New Zealand, desire to extend to you a most hearty welcome to the shores of this our adopted country. We wish to express to you our appreciation of the loyal and patriotic manner in which New Zealand's sons came to the aid of this country in its hour of direst need. They have acquitted themselves in a manner which places them in the very front rank of the King's soldiers, and we are proud of them, and of you, sir, the Prime Minister of our .country. We have watched with much pride and pleasure the patriotism and true Imperial spirit at all times exhibited by you in the interests of the Empire. We much regret that time will not permit you to visit this most important centre of South Africa, so that we could have done honour to you in a befitting manner, but we trust that the, time will not be far distant when you will honour Port Elizabeth with a visit. We wish you god-speed on your journey to England and a safe return to the country you so honourably represent, and we pray you may be long spared to rule over the destinies of New Zealand. J. F. Ward, Chairman of Meeting. Jno. S. Neave. A. Stocker, F. F. Powell. M. Walpole. Lieut. 2nd Tas. LB. Frank P. Cole. H. Louis Bourn, Geo. H. Calder. A. D. Barber. Capt. 3rd N.Z.M.R. Robert W. T. Shaw. 11. W. Shackleh. H. B. Stack. John Gibson Anderson. Fred G. Erdis. L. E. Brathwaite. J. E. Doitsh. NEW ZEALAND SONS OF EMPIRE. Contingents loho have come to South Africa. [Here follow details of contingents sent by New Zealand, totalling 357 officers and 6,154 noncommissioned officers and men.] On the left side of the address are the following extracts from Mr. Seddon's speeches : — [" If eight or nine contingents are not enough, there shall be ten. If European complications throw upon the colonies the duty of holding Africa, there would be twenty."] [" We," said Mr. Seddon, " defend you when absent; you must defend the honour of the colony and Empire." " I wish you to remember wherever you are that you are New-Zealanders." " Wherever you go preserve the good name that has been gained, so that whoever shall speak of the New Zealand contingents shall be able to say that the men behaved as gentlemen." "To them I would say, ' You have been chosen, and in your hands lies the honour of your country, which I feel certain you will serve faithfully and well.' " "I would say to the Imperial authon-

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ties now making a further call, ' Call upon New Zealand again, and we will respond.'" "In all parts of the colony, from the North Cape to the Bluff, the hearts of the people are with the sons they are sending away, and, great as the sacrifices may be, they are prepared to make further sacrifices if necessary." " Whatever number of men was required to help to bring the campaign to a conclusion they should go."] [And on the top right corner the following extract from the Premier's speech: "Lord Salisbury says that Great Britain alone must solve this question uninterfered-with. I say that sentiment prevails wherever the English language is spoken. I say this advisedly, and with full sense of responsibility, that if the enemy is determined to fight to the last man, and if those behind urge fighting under hopeless conditions, then theirs is the responsibility. It must be the last man. We cannot do anything ; we must not do anything except say, ' You were in the wrong ; you invaded British territory; you prepared for years to take this British territory in South Africa from us, and as you have done that you must take the consequences ; surrender and you may rest assured that you will receive at the hands of Great Britain generous treatment, and all will be well.' Further, let me say to you now, it may be years—it will take, perhaps, a year before the war is fully terminated. It matters not. It may be that another five thousand men are wanted to force that unconditional surrender that I have just mentioned. Very well; they will have that five thousand as cheerfully as they have had the five thousand that have gone and are going."] Throughout the whole of the tour in South Africa it was most pleasing to find the very high opinion prevailing as to our brave sons who went to the front. The Premier also desires to acknowledge the genuine hospitality and uniform courtesy and kindness and the facilities for travel granted to him by the Government, the military, and the municipal authorities, special trains being placed at his disposal from the time of leaving Durban until his arrival at Cape Town. Leaving Cape Town on the 28th May, the Premier landed in England on the 14th June, being welcomed by the Right Hon. the Earl of Onslow, Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Colonial Office, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, by the Agent-General, and a large number of NewZealanders and others who desired to honour the colony. Of the lamentable illness of His Majesty the King and consequent postponement of the Coronation ceremony it is unnecessary to speak here. By the King's special desire all colonial Prime Ministers received invitations to extend their visit, so as to enable them to stay for the Coronation function and ceremonies connected therewith. This further invitation the Premier accepted, and he wishes here to say that it was also at the express desire of His Majesty's Advisers that the duration of the stay of the New Zealand Coronation Contingent was prolonged further than was at first intended. The following official communication was received in this connection : — Sir, — Downing Street, sth July, 1902. I am directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to state, for the information of the Secretary of State for War, that it has been decided that the departure of the colonial contingents is to be postponed until further orders, and I am to request that a communication to this effect may be made to the officers commanding units in order that they may make the necessary arrangements in regard to return passages. I am further to suggest that leave should be freely granted to the officers and furlough to the non-commissioned officers and men to enable them to visit their friends or to see something of places of interest in the country, under the condition that they must be prepared to return to caniD at any time on twenty-four hours' notice. As regards those who do not desire to avail themselves of this permission, it seems to be worthy of consideration whether they might not be transferred either to Aldershot, or preferably, perhaps, to the camps of exercise on Salisbury Plain, where they would be removed from the temptations of London, and have an opportunity of acquiring some useful military experience. It would not, however, be well to make such a change without ascertaining how far it would be acceptable to the officers and men of the contingents. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State for War. M. F. Ommanney. It is also right to say that the New Zealand Coronation Contingent, under Colonel Porter, C.8., composed, as it was, almost entirely of members of South African contingents, in every way upheld the high reputation of the colony, and by their soldierly bearing and satisfactory behaviour attracted great admiration. They received much kindness and hospitality from our kindred at Home. COLONIAL CONFERENCE. With reference to the Colonial Conference of Prime Ministers with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Premier, on behalf of the New Zealand Government, submitted the following eight notices of motion for consideration, of which six were carried in amended form ; one has been arranged as between Australia, New Zealand, and the Imperial Government; and one is at present undealt-with: — Original Notice of Motion A. "That it is essential to the well-being of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions beyond the seas that in such dominions where the same does not now exist preferential tariff by way of rebate of duties on British-manufactured goods carried in British-owned ships should be granted, and that in the Mother-country rebate of duty on colonial products now taxable should be conceded." This has been amended and extended as in resolution 12 passed by the Conference, as follows:— " That this Conference recognises that the principle of preferential trade between the United Kingdom and His Majesty's dominions beyond the seas would stimulate and facilitate mutual

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commercial intercourse, and would, by promoting the development of the industries and resources of the several parts, strengthen the Empire. " 2. That this Conference recognises, in the present circumstances of the colonies, it is not practicable to adopt a general system of free-trade as between the Mother-country and the British dominions beyond the seas. " 3. That with a view, however, of promoting the increase of trade within the Empire it is desirable that those colonies which have adopted such a policy should, as far as their circumstances permit, give substantial preferential treatment to the products and manufactures of the United Kingdom. " 4. That the Prime Ministers of the colonies respectfully urge on His Majesty's Government the expediency of granting in the United Kingdom preferential treatment to the products and manufactures of the colonies, either by exemption from or reduction of duties now or hereafter imposed. " 5. That the Prime Ministers present at the Conference undertake to submit to their respective Governments at the earliest opportunity the principle of the resolution, and to request them to take such measures as may be necessary to give effect to it." Original Notice of Motion B. " That it is desirable to have an Imperial Reserve Force formed in each of His Majesty's dominions over the seas for service in case of emergency outside the dominion or colony in which such reserve is formed. The limits within which such reserve force may be employed outside the colony wherein it is raised to be defined by the Imperial and Colonial Governments at the time such reserve is formed, and to be in accordance with any law in force for the time being respecting the same. The cost of maintaining and equipping such reserve force to be defrayed in such proportion and manner as may be agreed upon between the Imperial and Colonial Governments." This, after considerable discussion, was withdrawn from the Conference, any colony favouring such reserve to deal directly with the Secretary of State for War, who favours, on the lines suggested by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, such reserves being raised, equipped, and maintained. Original Notice of Motion -C. " That the Australian squadron be strengthened— (a) By increasing the number of cruisers; (b) by withdrawing some of the inferior gunboats and replacing them by modern and better-class cruisers ; and (c) by adding torpedo catchers or destroyers, if deemed necessary. The extra cost of maintenance entailed to be defrayed in the same proportion as provided under the existing agreement, and on population basis." Inasmuch as Canada, Newfoundland, Cape Colony, and Natal were not directly concerned, it was decided that the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand should deal with the matter as a separate question apart from the Conference. This was done, and a draft agreement has been considered for reference and ratification of the respective Governments and Parliaments. Original Notice of Motion D. " That, in arranging for the administration of that portion of the Empire known formerly as the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, provision should be made that duly qualified members of the learned and skilled professions now admitted and hereafter to be admitted to practise in the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, and New Zealand be allowed to practise in the newly acquired territories referred to." This, with certain amendments, is resolution No. 5 passed by the Conference, as follows : — " That, in arranging for the administration of the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony, it is desirable that provision should be made for duly qualified members of the learned and skilled professions now admitted or hereafter to be admitted to practise in the self-governing colonies being allowed to practise in the newly acquired territories, on condition of reciprocal treatment in the colonies concerned." Original Notice of Motion E. " That it would be of advantage to the Empire to have subsidised mail-services established as between Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Great Britain, the steamers carrying such mails to be British-owned ; and such steamers to be of such a class and so fitted that in time of war they may be armed and used as cruisers." This in amended form is resolution No. 7 passed by the Conference, as follows : — "That it is desirable that, in view of the great extension of foreign subsidies to shipping, the position of the mail-services between different parts of the Empire should be reviewed by the respective Governments. " In all new contracts provision should be inserted to prevent excessive freight charges, or any preference in favour of foreigners ; thai such of the steamers as may be suitable shall be at the service of His Majesty's Government in war-time as cruisers or transports." Original Notice of Motion F. " That it would be to the advantage of the Empire if triennial conferences were held at which questions affecting the political and commercial relations of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and considered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Premiers of the self-governing colonies. In case of any emergency arising upon which a special conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordinary conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter." This as amended forms resolution No. 1 passed by the Conference, as follows :—■ " That it would be to the advantage of the Empire if conferences were held as far as practicable at intervals not exceeding four years, at which questions of common interest affecting the relations of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and

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considered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Premiers of the self-govern-ing colonies. In case of any emergency arising from which such a conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordinary conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter." Original Notice of Motion G. " That, owing to the application of the coastwise laws of the United States of America and of other nations, the time has arrived for negotiations to be opened with the view of removal or modification of these restrictions on British trade, failing which that the Imperial Government should take steps to protect the trade of the Empire by declaring that the colonies and dependencies shall come within similar coastal laws." Eesolution No. 6 passed by the Conference deals with this question, as follows : — " That it is desirable that the attention of the Governments of the colonies and the United Kingdom should be called to the present state of the navigation laws within the Empire and in other countries, and to the advisability of refusing the privileges of coastwise trade, including trade between the Mother-country and its colonies and possessions, and between one colony or possession or another, to countries in which this corresponding trade is confined to the ships of their own nationality, and also to the laws affecting shipping, with the view of seeing whether any other steps should be taken to promote Imperial trade in British possessions." Original Notice of Motion H. " That the Prime Ministers of the self-governing colonies suggest that the question of the allotment of the naval and military cadets to the dominions beyond the seas be taken into consideration by the naval and military authorities, with a view to increasing the number of such candidates ; that, consistent with insuring suitable candidates, as far as practicable greater facilities than now obtain should be given to enable young colonists to enter the navy and the army, and that those officers with only limited means may be enabled to maintain adequately their position as officers, and remain in His Majesty's service." This, with a slight alteration, is resolution No. 11 passed by the Conference, as follows: — "That the Prime Ministers of the self-governing colonies suggest that the question of the allotment of the naval and military cadets to the dominions beyond the seas be taken into consideration by the naval and military authorities, with a view to increasing the number of commissions to be offered ; that, consistent with insuring suitable candidates, as far as practicable greater facilities than now obtain should be given to enable young colonists to enter the navy and the army."

At the conclusion of the Conference the Premier paid a visit to the provincial districts and chief manufacturing centres in England. He also visited Scotland and Ireland, and was present at the great Dublin Horse-show and the Cork Industrial Exhibition. The degree of Doctor of Laws was also conferred on the Premier by the University of Edinburgh. Among the honours and distinctions received by the Premier during his visit were the Freedom of the Borough of St. Helens, the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh, the Freedom of the Royal Burgh of Annan, and the Freedom of the Tallow-chandlers' Company of the City of London. The freedom of the City of Sheffield was offered, but owing to the Premier's departure from England he was unable to accept it. The Premier deems it right to mention these marks of distinction received, recognising, as he does, that they were bestowed not so much on himself personally, but as high compliments to the colony that he had the honour to represent at this historical occasion. He ventures to hope that in his visit to the Mother-country, prolonged as it was from unforeseen causes, he at all times devoted his abilities and experience to the best interests of the people of New Zealand, and fervently hopes that good to the Empire and the colony may result.

EESOLUTIONS OF COLONIAL PREMIERS' CONFEEENCE IN LONDON, 1902. The following addendum gives the resolutions passed at the Colonial Conference : — 1. Conferences to be held every Four Years. That it would be to the advantage of the Empire if Conferences were held as far as practicable at intervals not exceeding four years, at which questions of common interest affecting the relations of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and considered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Premiers of the self-governing colonies. The Secretary of State for the Colonies is requested to arrange for such Conferences after communicating with the Premiers of the respective colonies. In case of any emergency arising upon which a special Conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordinary Conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter. 2. Communication prior to entering on Treaties. That, so far as may be consistent with confidential negotiations for treaties with foreign Powers, the views of the colonies affected should be obtained, in order that they may be in a better position to give adhesion to such treaties. 3. Mutual Protection of Patents. That it would tend to the encouragement of inventions if some system for the mutual protection of patents in the various parts of the Empire could be devised. That the Secretary of State be asked to enter into communication with the several Governments in the first instance, and invite their suggestions to this end. 4. Purchase of Cables. That it is desirable that in future agreements as to cable communications a clause should, wherever practicable, be inserted reserving to the Government or Governments concerned the right of purchasing, on equitable terms and after due notice, all or any of the cables to which the agreements relate. 2—A. 4.

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5. Admission to Skilled Professions in the New Colonies. That in arranging for the administration of the Transvaal and the Orange Eiver Colony it is desirable that provision should be made that duly qualified members of the learned and skilled professions now admitted or hereafter to be admitted to practise in the self-governing colonies be allowed to practise in the newly acquired territories on condition of reciprocal treatment in the colonies concerned. 6. Coastwise Trade and Shipping Laws. That it is desirable that the attention of the Governments of the colonies and the United Kingdom should be called to the present state of the navigation laws in the Empire and in other countries, and to the advisability of refusing the privileges of coastwise trade, including trade between the Mother-country and its colonies and its possessions, and between one colony or possession and another, to countries in which the corresponding trade is confined to ships of their own nationality ; and also to the laws affecting shipping, with the view of seeing whether any other steps should be taken to promote Imperial trade in British vessels. 7. Subsidies to Shipping. That it is desirable, in view of the great extension of foreign subsidies to shipping, that the position of the mail-services between different parts of the Empire should be reviewed by the respective Governments. In all new contracts provision should be inserted to prevent excessive freight charges, or any preference in favour of foreigners ; and to insure that such of the steamers as may be suitable shall be at the service of His Majesty's Government in war-time as cruisers or transports. 8. Government Contracts. That in all Government contracts, whether in the case of the Colonial or the Imperial Governments, it is desirable that, as far as practicable, the products of the Empire should be preferred to the products of foreign countries. With a view of promoting this result it is suggested that where such contracts cannot be filled in the country in which the supplies are required, the fullest practicable notice of the requirements and of the conditions of tender should be given both in the colonies and in the United Kingdom, and this notice should be communicated through official channels as well as through the Press. 9. Metric System. That it is advisable to adopt the metric system of weights and measures for use within the Empire, and the Prime Ministers urge the Governments represented at this Conference to give consideration to the question of its early adoption. 10. Newspaper Postage. That it is advisable to adopt the principle of cheap postage between the different parts of the British Empire on all newspapers and periodicals published therein, and the Prime Ministers desire to draw the attention of His Majesty's Government to the question of a reduction in the outgoing rate. They consider that each Government shall be allowed to determine the amount to which it may reduce such rate, and the time for such reduction going into effect. 11. Naval Cadetships and Army Commissions. That the Prime Ministers of self-governing colonies suggest that the question of the allotment of the naval and military cadets to the dominions beyond the seas be taken into consideration by the naval and military authorities with a view of increasing the number of commissions to be offered ; that, consistent with insuring suitable candidates, as far as practicable, greater facilities than now obtain should be given to enable young colonists to enter the navy and the army. 12. Preferential Trade. 1. That this Conference recognises that the principle of preferential trade between the United Kingdom and His Majesty's dominions beyond the seas would stimulate and facilitate mutual commercial intercourse, and would, by promoting the development of the resources and industries of the several parts, strengthen the Empire. 2. That this Conference recognises that, in the present circumstances of the colonies, it is not practicable to adopt a general system of free trade as between the Mother-country and the British dominions beyond the seas. 3. That, with a view, however, to promoting the increase of trade within the Empire, it is desirable that those colonies which have not already adopted such a policy should, as far as their circumstances permit, give substantial preferential treatment to the products and manufactures of the United Kingdom. 4. That the Prime Ministers of the colonies respectfully urge on His Majesty's Government the expediency of granting in the United Kingdom preferential treatment to the products and manufactures of the colonies, either by exemption from or reduction of duties now or hereafter imposed. 5. That the Prime Ministers present at the Conference undertake to submit to their respective Governments at the earliest opportunity the principle of the resolution, and to request them to take such measures as may be necessary to give effect to it. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (2,875 copies), £ 7 Bh.

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