A.—No. 14.

4

PAPERS RELATIVE TO A PROPOSED CONFERENCE

duties on articles the growth, production, and manufacture of other British American Colonies, also to do the same with respect to certain goods from the United States. The first is a case precisely analogous to the proposal to allow the Australasian group of Colonies to make similar provision for mutual interchange ; the second points to the feasibility of the original purpose of the Conference. The making an arrangement with the United States for the free admission of Wool the production of the Australasian Colonies. It is not necessary to point out the advantages to the Colonies which would arise from such an arrangement. It would equally suit the United States, the manufactories of which frequently languish on account of the difficulty of obtaining suitable wool. A reciprocity treaty is now being arranged between America and Canada. Why should not Australia participate, or have power to make one on her own account ? To show that Canada's right to enter into reciprocal arrangements has been recognized, it may be mentioned that when at the instance of the United States the former reciprocity treaty with Canada came to an end, delegates from the British American Colonies, at the instance of the Imperial Government, and in some cases with the aid of one of Her Majesty's vessels, visited various countries, British and foreign, for the purpose of ascertaining vshat, if any, reciprocal arrangements for the benefit of trade might be made to replace the loss of trade which it was anticipated would follow the termination of the treaty with the States. Probably the Australasian Colonies might from time to time find it beneficial to enter into reciprocal arrangements with other countries, such for instance as the South American States, California, New Caledonia, and other South Sea Islands, and India, as also with some of the older countries. At any rate, the Colonies should not have less power in the matter than Canada has hitherto possessed, and it is believed at present possesses. Ocean Postal Services. It is impossible to surmise how far the Colonies are prepared to come to an understanding on this question. New Zealand is very anxious to see a communication with California established. Telegraphic Communication with Europe. This subject demands immediate attention. The Colonies, whatever is done, should act jointly. The telegraph lines in the Colonies are in the hands of the respective Governments. Tho Imperial •country has lately seen the wisdom of following the same course. Why should the line to connect Great Britain, India, and Australasia, be permitted to pass into private hands ? Essentially the line is one concerning which it is unwise to grant a monopoly. It is undesirable that the cost of intercommunication should be taxed with the profits of a private undertaking. Why should not the Imperial Country, India, and the Australasian Colonies, jointly construct the line. The cost to them would be comparatively trifling. Great Britain could raise the money, and an annual charge might be made exclusive or inclusive of a redemption or sinking fund. The arrangement would not be more difficult in its details than the settlement of the annual subsidy to the Suez line. Telegraphic Union between the Colonies. Experience shows that a uniform rate of telegraphic charge is highly advantageous. If the Colonies would agree to a uniform rate, it would be easy and desirable and profitable for them to determine that telegrams from any one Colony should run through the others without extra cost. A similar arrangement prevails in respect to letters, although the carriage of letters from the coast inland is really a costly matter. But the transmission of a message costs comparatively nothing. A union such .as is suggested would infallibly enormously increase the telegraphic business in all the Colonies. Investment of English Trust Funds in Colonial Securities. When trustees act under instruments which do not expressly exclude or include certain securities, their discretion as to investment is still limited. They may invest in securities guaranteed by Parliament, in securities authorized by general order of Court of Chancery, in Parliamentary stocks, or public funds, or Government securities. Eecently authority has been given to invest in Indian unguaranteed stocks. Proposed that representations should be made to enable trustees at their option to invest in Colonial securities. There arc immense amounts of trust funds at home awaiting investment. The permission would raise the value of Colonial securities, and in numerous cases bo highly advantageous to trustees and the interests they represent. Admission of Darristers and Solicitors of any Colony to practice in other Colonies; an Australian Court of Appeal, and Comity of laws. Subjects worthy of discussion ; though, for the present, probably little can be done concerning them. ■ Apprehension of Offenders. Immediate measures arc required to facilitate the apprehension of offenders when they pass from the Colony which is the scene of their offences to some other Colony. In connection with this subject, it is worthy of consideration whether it might not be well for the Colonies jointly to maintain a small detective force, say of from ten to twelve, to keep a watch on the criminal population floating from Colony to Colony, and to afford information concerning the same. Uniform Statistics. A great deal of the usefulness of the elaborate statistics of the various Colonies is impaired through the want of uniformity as to the mode of their preparation. Proposed that a uniform system be adopted. Belief of Distressed Seamen. A subject arising from a Circular Despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Lighthouse on Snares, and Depot on Auckland Islands. Both said to be necessary for protection and aid of shipping. Proposed that the Colonies come to some understanding as to the expense.