A.—3

4

Subject as in the last paragraph mentioned, the naval force, as so employed, to be under the exclusive control of the Admiralty. Any scheme of naval defence should also include the naval defence of the harbours of the capitals of the different colonies, and the fortifications of King George's Sound or some other port in Western Australia, and the maintenance of a sufficient force for holding the same. In view of the present and daily increasing wealth and importance of the Australian Colonies and New Zealand, and the magnitude of the interests involved, this Conference is of opinion that it would be unreasonable to expect the Imperial Government to bear the whole expense of the largely increased force which it will become necessary to maintain if the above scheme is carried out; but as Imperial interests are also largely involved, the Imperial Government should contribute to the extent of one moiety. The representatives assembled at this Conference undertake to recommend to their respective Governors to make representation to the Imperial Government on the basis of the foregoing resolution, and to request the concurrence of the Imperial authorities therein. They (with the exception of Western Australia) agree to the payment of one moiety of the expense of carrying out such a scheme as is here suggested, including the building and maintenance of the fortifications at King George's Sound. Such moiety to be contributed ratably by all the colonies and New Zealand (except Western Australia) on the basis of population. The adoption of these resolutions does not in any way affect the question of the land fortification and defence of particular ports, which will be left as now to the discretion of the colonies interested. After considerable discussion Mr. Giblin moved, as an amendment (seconded by Mr. Paimee), That all the words after the word " Conference " in the first line be omitted, with a view to inserting the following words : — Considering the large Imperial interests involved, the naval defence of these colonies should continue to be the exclusive charge of the Imperial Government, and that the strength of the Australian squadron should be increased. That-the members of this Conference pledge themselves to use all legitimate endeavours to procure the efficient fortification and land defence of the several ports of the Australian Colonies, at the cost of the several colonies interested. Motion put, That the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the question. Aye. Noes. South Australia. New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania. Western Australia declined to vote. Further motion put, That the words proposed to be inserted be inserted. —Carried unanimously. The amended resolution was then put as follows: That, in the opinion of this Conference, considering the large Imperial interests involved, the naval defence of these colonies should continue to be the exclusive charge of the Imperial Government, and that the strength of the Australian squadron should be increased. That the members of this Conference pledge themselves to use all legitimate endeavours to procure the efficient fortification and land defence of the several ports of the Australian Colonies, at the cost of the several colonies interested. —Agreed to unanimously. Memo. —The representatives of South Australia wished it to be uunderstood that, although not voting against the amended motion, they were of opinion that, in order more effectually to secure the employment of an Australian squadron for the exclusive defence of Australian ports, the colonies ought to contribute to the cost of maintaining such squadron. Chinese Immigbants. The Chaieman called the attention of the Conference to a copy of the Government Gazette Extraordinary for Western Australia, dated 28th December, 1880, in which there was a notice headed " Chinese Immigrants." The same was read. Mr. Beeet moved (seconded by Mr. Moegan), That the Gazette notice, as read by the Secretary, be entered on the minutes.—Agreed to. " Chinese Immigrants. " Colonial Secretary's Office, " Perth, 28th December, 1880. " The Legislature having sanctioned the introduction of Chinese immigrants into the colony at the public expense, the Government is prepared to receive applications from settlers who may be desirous of employing such immigrants as farm labourers, shepherds, gardeners, mechanics, or domestic servants ; application to be made in writing on the following form, copies of which may be obtained at the offices of the Colonial Secretary and the various Resident Magistrates. Fifty immigrants must be applied for before action can be taken by Government. The immigrants to be taken over from the Government Immigration Agent immediately on arrival free of expense to the Government. " By His Excellency's command. " Gipfoed, Colonial Secretary.

Name, Occupation, and Address of Persons requiring Immigrants. Number of Persons required of each description of Trade,' &c. Where to be employed. Period for which [Employment is guaranteed, if Immigrant is qualified. Wages per month offered, in addition to Food and Lodgings to the satisfaction of Q-OTernment. Eemarks. John Smith, Farmer, Albany. 1 rough carpenter. 2 shepherds. 1 house servant. Kojonup. Do. Albany. One year, certain. £2 5 £2 0 £1 15 0* 0 0 * K These rates ai re imaginary.