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he went into it still more fully at the Hobart Conference. Of course, as the Conference is aware, I have also to place before it that Western Australia does not share these views, and in recording my vote according to the commissions placed in my hands by Sir John Forrest, I shall record the vote for Western Australia in favour of the view expressed by the British Post Office, but at the same time for South Australia in the other direction. (Some conversation ensued as regards the telegram from the London Office requesting a reply by telegraph.) The Hon. Dr. Cockburn : I should like to remove some misapprehension which may possibly have arisen in regard to the wording of that telegram. It reads, "Please telegraph acquiescence." Those are the words of tho British Post Office, not my own. I never heard till yesterday that there was any ambiguity. I forwarded it on in the first instance with no comment, merely for circulation to all concerned. I was surprised when I heard that Queensland read those words as coming from myself. A resolution was then drafted by The Hon. Mr. Cook, who remarked that Mr. Eeeves had authorised him to record the New Zealand vote. When tho resolution was finally revised by the delegates, it was read by the Chairman. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn: Wait a minute; I don't quite know what to do in regard to Tasmania. The Hon. Mr. Cook : I have a similar telegram from Mr. Fysh regretting he could not accept our invitation, and instructing you to represent that Colony. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn : I am not very sure how strong their attitude was. The Hon. Mr. Duffy read a telegram from Mr. Fysh, remarking that they did not seem inclined to fight. The Hon. Mr. Cook : Tou are quite safe in holding up your hand against it. The Hon. Mr. Duffy : Western Australia is distinctly adverse. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn : If I place on record that Tasmania is in favour of acquiescence in the views of the London Post Office, and that Western Australia desires her vote to be recorded against the resolution — The Hon. Mr. Duffy . This is quite confidential —you have only to report that it was carried, and Western Australia dissented. The Hon. Mr. Cook: Just say "carried." The motion was then put i —■ " This Conference having considered the reply of the London Office to the stipulation of the Hobart Conference, with regard to the manning of the Mail Boats by white instead of coloured labour, recognises fully the force of the reason given by the Imperial Government against insisting on the exclusion of coloured labour, viz., the necessity of discriminating between various classes of British subjects ; but in reply would respectfully point out that by some Steamship Companies the labour of the contributing Colonies is excluded from employment, and an invidious preference given to the labour of countries which do not contribute to the maintenance of the service. No injustice would thus be done by the stipulation that the labour of the countries subsidising the service only should be employed. And, therefore, this Conference is of opinion that the mails to and from Australia and Great Britain should be carried by ships manned with white crews only." It was added : " That this Conference concurs with the London Office on the other points in connection with the new mail tenders." A cablegram embodying the decision of the Conference was framed to send to London Post Office, and the Conference adjourned at 1 p.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, to sign report, &c. The Hon. Mr. Thynne said, that before separating he desired to move a cordial vote of thanks to tht. Chairman, the Honorable Mr. Cook, for his valuable services and courtesy in presiding over the Conference. He felt sure that the satisfactory conclusion of their work had been materially assisted by Mr. Cook's special tact and ability in the matters which had been before them for discussion, and it was a pleasure to move that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to him. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn seconded the vote, saying he was glad they had been able to meet in a friendly way, and discuss matters of general interest to the Colonies in regard to telegraph affairs, &c. In thus mutually meeting one another, and acting as far as possible co-operatively, they were carrying out the spirit which had characterised the transactions of Australasian Conferences in the past. He expressed to Mr. Cook his indebtedness for the hospitality and courtesy with which that gentleman had, on behalf of his Government, administered to the comfort of the delegates and their friends during their visit to Sydney. The Hon. Mr. Cook : Gentlemen, I am only going to say that I am obliged to you for the vote of thanks you have so kindly accorded to me. I think we have every reason to congratulate ourselves on the amicable arrangements that have been made. I think they must be satisfactory on further reflection to all who are represented here. I express what I believe to be the feeling of the larger colonies when I say we are very glad that South Australia has shown a spirit of reciprocity in joining in the contract in regard to the Pacific Cable; and lam sure that the other colonies will maintain the friendly attitude which they have taken up. I hope the way is now clear, and that ere long United Australia will see the accomplishment of tho Pacific Cable. The views we have expressed here will stand as an indication of the way in which the various conflicting interests of the colonies may be dealt with. He thanked the delegates for their kindly expressions towards himself. The vote of thanks was passed. The Hon. Mr. Duffy moved a vote of thanks to Mr. James Dalgarno, for the efficient maimer in which he had carried out the duties of Secretary to the Conference, and The Hon. Mr. Thynne seconded. The Hon. Mr. Cook said he had much pleasure in putting the resolution to the meeting. The vote was carried. Mr. Dalgarno acknowledged the compliment.

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