23

A.—s

Mr. DEAKIN : It is very good of you, Sir Wilfrid, holding the views you do, to meet us so kindly in the matter. I just took the liberty of handing to the Secretary of State a cablegram I have just received from the Acting Prime Minister of the Colony, Sir John Forrest. CHAIRMAN : May I read it ? Mr. DEAKIN : Certainly : " Colleagues wish to express to you a fer- " vent hope that the labours of the Conference will assist in promoting the " increase of trade and commerce amongst the British peoples, the main- " tenance of the British supremacy on the sea, and the closer union in the " bonds of loyalty, and affection of the British race throughout the world. " —Forrest." CHAIRMAN : Is there any other point ? Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I propose that the following telegram be sent to Mr. Chamberlain : ' This Conference begs to express its deep " sympathy with you in your illness, and earnestly hopes that you may be " speedily restored to active public life." Dr. JAMESON : I beg to second that proposition. CHAIRMAN : No doubt the Conference will agree to this telegram.* {Unanimously.) Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I suppose that is all that is on the programme for to-day ? CHAIRMAN : That is all that we can usefully do, and we will adjourn to Wednesday for the consideration of the special constitution of the Conference. Will this do for the answer to His Majesty's telegram ? " The Prime "Ministers of Self-Governing Colonies present their humble duty to your " Majesty, and desire to acknowledge gratefully your Majesty's gracious " telegram, which will be a source of great encouragement in their labours." Sir WILFRID LAURIER : That is very well expressed, Sir. CHAIRMAN : I think that is all we can do to-day. Adjourned to Wednesday next at 11 o'clock.

* The reply from Mr. Chamberlain was in the following terms : — " Sincerely thank Prime Ministers for good wishes; am promised complete restoration to health, in which case hope speedily resume public work. Meanwhile gratefully appreciate kind resolution of Conference."

First Day. 15 April 1907.

Arrangement of Business.