25

A.—s

sent in in view, and then at the conclusion of the discussion, to endeavour to adjust such a repiesentation of the decision, or an expression, at any rate, of the views of the Conference, as may be recorded in our proceedings. In this case therefore we start with certain resolutions which have been sent in in reply to the invitation which I addressed to the various Colonies, and I think it would probably be the most convenient course if I asked one of those representatives of the Colonies who have submitted a resolution to open the discussion. I think that is in accordance with the practice on former occasions. Ido not know whether those who represent Australia, New Zealand and Cape Colony have agreed among themselves as to the order in which that should be done. The first on my list is the Commonwealth of Australia, and unless it is otherwise arranged I should suggest that perhaps Mr. Deakin would open the discussion. Mr. DEAKIN : Subject to Sir Joseph's approval and that of Dr. Jameson, what I was about to propose was this, to pass by the resolutions as framed, except so far as-they furnish material for discussion upon them point by point; for instance, ours says, " That it is desirable to establish an Imperial Council." Directly we read that, the question of title is raised. Would it not be a business-like method to take first of all the question of the title of any future Conference, discuss that and settle it ? Then it passes on to say that the Council or Conference, or whatever it may be termed, shall " consist of certain members "—take that next, and decide how they are to be chosen, or the position of other Ministers which we settled amongst ourselves on Monday. That should be formulated, and so on, taking point by point the various matters that these resolutions suggest, dealing with eacfi in turn. It might be necessary to alter their order slightly, but I fancy that would shorten the discussion. (' UAIRMAN : May I first point out that it puts those who have not passed resolutions at all into rather an invidious position I There is nothing on record and it seems to me with all deference that we should shorten our proceedings really if we had a general discussion first and saw how far we were able to get to a general agreement on the general discussion. If that was done I rather think the adjustment of details would be simpler. If we take the thing at once on the question of title, we really cannot settle the question of title without discussing the general constitution. Dr. JAMESON : I was going to suggest that certain Colonies have putdown certain subjects to be brought forward, and of course they have thought them of paramount importance. Other Colonies perhaps do not think them so important, and your objection to Mr. Deakin's proposal would be met, 1 think, by taking what has been put down, and then after these are finished any representatives of the Colonies who had not brought forward any resolution would go on to consider what they wished to bring forward to cover the ground, starting with what we have in front of us, and then practically taking what would be amendments from those representatives who had not brought forward any resolution on the subject. Sir JOSEPH WARD : I quite agree with Mr. Deakin that it would save the time of the Conference, and be more advantageous, instead of the Australian and New Zealand representatives submitting independent resolutions, that we should agree to merge them in some form so as to endeavour to come to a general understanding. CHAIRMAN : That is the same as I proposed.

5—A. 5.

Second Day 17 April 190'

(Chairm Uf.)