A.—3

7

Thursday, 20th January, 1881. sixth day. Present: New South Wales: The Hon. Sir Henet Paekes, K.C.M.G-., M.P. The Hon. James Watson, M.P. Victoria : The Hon. Geaham Beeet, M.P. The Hon. William M. K. Vale, M.P. South Australia: The Hon. William Moegan, M.L.C. The Hon. Chaeles Mann, Q.C., M.P. Queensland: The Hon. Aethur Httnteb Palmee, M.P. The Hon. Botd Dotlop Moeehead, M.L.C. Tasmania: The Hon. William Eobeet Giblin, M.P. The Hon. William Mooee, M.L.C. Western Australia: The Hon. Chief Justice Wbenfobdslet. New Zealand: The Hon. Thomas Dick, M.H.E., Colonial Secretary. The minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read and confirmed. The Commission issued by Sir Arthur Gordon, Governor of New Zealand, to the Hon. Thomas Dick, appointing him to be the representative for the Colony of New Zealand, to appear and act at this Conference for and on behalf of the said colony, was laid before the Conference. Chinese. Mr. Beeet moved, pursuant to notice (seconded by Mr. Watson), That this Conference learns with surprise and regret that the Legislature of Western Australia has sanctioned the introduction of Chinese into that part of Australia at the public expense. After a lengthened discussion, Mr. Beeey (consented to by Mr. Watson), by leave of the Conference, withdrew the foregoing resolution, and substituted the following in lieu of it: That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is highly prejudicial to the best interests of the Australian Colonies that Chinese should be introduced into any of the colonies at the public expense, as is the case in Western Australia. And this Conference unanimously agree to a joint representation to the Imperial Government on the subject, with a view to procuring a reversal of the action of that colony.—Agreed to. Mr. Chief Justice Wrenfordsley declined to vote. Moved by Mr. Beeet (seconded by Mr. Palmee), That a Committee be appointed to prepare the form of representation to the Imperial Government on Chinese immigration, and submit the same for the consideration of the Conference. Such Committee to consist of Mr. Morgan, Sir Henry Parkes, and Mr. Berry.—Agreed to. Mr. Chief Justice Wrenfordsley declined to vote. TaeifJ. Mr. Watson moved (seconded by Mr. Giblin), That, in the opinion of this Conference, a joint Commission of all the Australasian Colonies (excepting Western Australia) should be appointed to consider and construct a common tariff for the group, and that in the constitution of such Commission Victoria should appoint ... 3 Members. South Australia ... ... 2 Members. New South Wales ... 2 Members. Queensland ... ... 2 Members. New Zealand ... ... 2 Members. Tasmania ... ... 1 Member. After some discussion this motion was postponed, to be considered with other motions on the tariff question. Inteecolonial Fbee-Tbade. Mr. Mann moved (seconded by Mr. Moegan), That, with a view of practically testing to some extent the feasibility of intercolonial free-trade, this Conference agrees that all wines, the product of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, shall be admitted into each of those colonies free of duty. This arrangement to be subject to determination on three months' notice by any of the colonies interested. After discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Giblin, seconded by Mr. Dick, that the further consideration of this motion be postponed until to-morrow. The Conference then adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock. Henet Paekes, Chairman.

Friday, 21st January, 1881. seventh day. Present: New South Wales: The Hon. Sir Henbt Pabkes, K.C.M.G-., M.P. The Hon. James Watson, M.P. Victoria: The Hon. Geaham Beebt, M.P. The Hon. William M. K. Vale, M.P. South Australia: The Hon. William Mobgan, M.L.C. The Hon. Chaeles Mann, Q.C., M.P. Queensland: The Hon. Aetiiur Htjntee Palmee, M.P. The Hon. Botd Ditnlop Moeehead, M.L.C. Tasmania: The Hon. William Bobebt Giblin, M.P. The Hon. William Mooee, M.L.C. Western Australia: The Hon. Chief Justice Weestoedslex. New Zealand; The Hon. Thomas Dice, M.H.E.