A.—4

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commercial intercourse, and would, by promoting the development of the industries and resources of the several parts, strengthen the Empire. " 2. That this Conference recognises, in the present circumstances of the colonies, it is not practicable to adopt a general system of free-trade as between the Mother-country and the British dominions beyond the seas. " 3. That with a view, however, of promoting the increase of trade within the Empire it is desirable that those colonies which have adopted such a policy should, as far as their circumstances permit, give substantial preferential treatment to the products and manufactures of the United Kingdom. " 4. That the Prime Ministers of the colonies respectfully urge on His Majesty's Government the expediency of granting in the United Kingdom preferential treatment to the products and manufactures of the colonies, either by exemption from or reduction of duties now or hereafter imposed. " 5. That the Prime Ministers present at the Conference undertake to submit to their respective Governments at the earliest opportunity the principle of the resolution, and to request them to take such measures as may be necessary to give effect to it." Original Notice of Motion B. " That it is desirable to have an Imperial Reserve Force formed in each of His Majesty's dominions over the seas for service in case of emergency outside the dominion or colony in which such reserve is formed. The limits within which such reserve force may be employed outside the colony wherein it is raised to be defined by the Imperial and Colonial Governments at the time such reserve is formed, and to be in accordance with any law in force for the time being respecting the same. The cost of maintaining and equipping such reserve force to be defrayed in such proportion and manner as may be agreed upon between the Imperial and Colonial Governments." This, after considerable discussion, was withdrawn from the Conference, any colony favouring such reserve to deal directly with the Secretary of State for War, who favours, on the lines suggested by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, such reserves being raised, equipped, and maintained. Original Notice of Motion -C. " That the Australian squadron be strengthened— (a) By increasing the number of cruisers; (b) by withdrawing some of the inferior gunboats and replacing them by modern and better-class cruisers ; and (c) by adding torpedo catchers or destroyers, if deemed necessary. The extra cost of maintenance entailed to be defrayed in the same proportion as provided under the existing agreement, and on population basis." Inasmuch as Canada, Newfoundland, Cape Colony, and Natal were not directly concerned, it was decided that the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand should deal with the matter as a separate question apart from the Conference. This was done, and a draft agreement has been considered for reference and ratification of the respective Governments and Parliaments. Original Notice of Motion D. " That, in arranging for the administration of that portion of the Empire known formerly as the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, provision should be made that duly qualified members of the learned and skilled professions now admitted and hereafter to be admitted to practise in the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, and New Zealand be allowed to practise in the newly acquired territories referred to." This, with certain amendments, is resolution No. 5 passed by the Conference, as follows : — " That, in arranging for the administration of the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony, it is desirable that provision should be made for duly qualified members of the learned and skilled professions now admitted or hereafter to be admitted to practise in the self-governing colonies being allowed to practise in the newly acquired territories, on condition of reciprocal treatment in the colonies concerned." Original Notice of Motion E. " That it would be of advantage to the Empire to have subsidised mail-services established as between Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Great Britain, the steamers carrying such mails to be British-owned ; and such steamers to be of such a class and so fitted that in time of war they may be armed and used as cruisers." This in amended form is resolution No. 7 passed by the Conference, as follows : — "That it is desirable that, in view of the great extension of foreign subsidies to shipping, the position of the mail-services between different parts of the Empire should be reviewed by the respective Governments. " In all new contracts provision should be inserted to prevent excessive freight charges, or any preference in favour of foreigners ; thai such of the steamers as may be suitable shall be at the service of His Majesty's Government in war-time as cruisers or transports." Original Notice of Motion F. " That it would be to the advantage of the Empire if triennial conferences were held at which questions affecting the political and commercial relations of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and considered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Premiers of the self-governing colonies. In case of any emergency arising upon which a special conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordinary conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter." This as amended forms resolution No. 1 passed by the Conference, as follows :—■ " That it would be to the advantage of the Empire if conferences were held as far as practicable at intervals not exceeding four years, at which questions of common interest affecting the relations of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and