A.—3

12

Victoria should appoint ... ... ... ... ... 3 Members. New South Wales ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 New Zealand ... ... ... ... .. ... 2 „ South Australia ... ... ... ... ... ••• 2 „ Queensland ... ... ... ... ... ••• 2 „ Tasmania... ... ... ... ... ... ••• 1 Member. Western Australia... ... ... ... ... ... 1 u Ayes. No. New South Wales, Victoria. South Australia, New Zealand, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia. Mr. Palmeb moved (seconded by Mr. Mann), That it be an express instruction to such Commission that any common tariff must recognize fairly the interests and special circumstances of each colony. Ayes. No. New South Wales, Victoria. South Australia, New Zealand, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia. The Conference then adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock. Henex Paekes, Chairman.

Tuesday, 25th January, 1881. ninth day. Present: New South Wales: The Hon. Sir Heney Parkes, K.C.M.Gh, M.P. The Hon. James "Watson, M.P. Victoria: The Hon. Gbaham Bebey, M.P. The Hon. William M. K. Vale, M.P. South Australia: The Hon. William Mobgan, M.L.O. • The Hon. Chaeles Mann, Q.C., M.P. Queensland: The Hon. Aethije Hunteb Palmeb, M.P. The Hon. Botd Dpnlop Moeehead, M.L.C. Tasmania: The Hon. William Kobebt Giblin, M.P. The Hon. William Mooee, M.L.C. Western Australia: The Hon. Chief Justice Wbenfoedsley. New Zealand; The Hon. Thomas Dice, M.H.E. The minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read and confirmed. Mr. Dick handed in the following memorandum : " Having been asked by the Chairman whether I agree to the decisions of the Conference, as recorded in the minutes prior to my arrival, I have to state that I see no reason for non-agreement, except with the concluding clause of the resolution come to on January 18th, as to defences, respecting which I think it is desirable that New Zealand should be left unfettered. —Thomas Dick. Sydney, 25bh January, 1881." Islands in the Pacific. The report of the Committee appointed to consider the matters involved in Mr. Palmer's resolution, and to examine the papers relating to the appointment of the High Commissioner, and to report to the Conference, was further considered. The following amendments were made in the same :— In line 3 of the preamble the word " said" was omitted, and the words " Western Pacific" inserted instead. The remainder of the preamble from the word " said " was omitted, and the words " report as follows " inserted instead. In clause 1 before the word " Pacific " the word " Western " inserted. Clause 2 struck out. In clause 3 the words " extended powers should be conferred upon the High Commissioner" omitted with a view to the insertion of the words " more effectual means should be devised." In clause 4, line 1, before the word " convictions " the word "capital " inserted. In same line the words " for felony" omitted. In same Jine the words "By the High Commissioner" altered by inserting in their place the words " High Commissioner's Court." In the second line, after the word " colonies " the words " to be " inserted, the words " at the discretion of " omitted, and the word " by " inserted. Clause 5 omitted. In clause 6, lines 1 and 2, the words " have a beneficial effect upon the natives and " omitted. The report as amended, as follows, was adopted by the Conference : —