A.—sa

VII

24. Resolutions of Conference, (p. 166.) That the Governments concerned be requested to introduce legislation to enable effect to be given to the resolutions of the Conference in cases where legislation is necessary. Passed unanimously. 25. Vote of Thanks to Chairman, (p. 167.) That this Conference desires to place on record its appreciation of the courtesy and ability with which its proceedings have been presided over by the Right Hon. D. LloydGeorge, the President of the Board of Trade. Passed unanimously. 26. Vote of Thanks to Secretaries, (p. 167.) That this Conference desires to express its appreciation of the valuable assistance it has received from its Secretary, Mr. J. A. Webster, and his colleagues, Mr. G. E. Baker, Mr. J. Hislop, and Mr. D. ,1. Quinn. Passed unanimously. 11. — RESOLUTIONS ON WHICH THE DELEGATES DIFFERED. 1. Vessels to which Colonial Conditions are Applicable, (p. 78.) The following rider was proposed to No. 9 of the Resolutions passed, and was supported by the British shipowners but not by the Colonial Delegates, with the exception of Mr. Dugald Thomson : " The Conference is of opinion that as a matter of expediency oversea vessels which only engage in the Colonial coasting trade by taking passengers\>r cargo between their Colonial ports of call should not be deemed to engage in the Coastal Trade." 2. Bills of Lading, (p. 104.) The following resolution was proposed : — " That the terms and conditions of the Bill of Lading at present in general use are in many respects unsatisfactory to shippers and consignees, and that in the interests of traders generally it is desirable that the Board of Trade should publish a form of Bill of Lading containing such reasonable conditions as in its opinion are sufficient to safeguard the rights of shipper, shipowner, and consignee." An amendment in the following terms was submitted : — " That legislation restricting liberty of Contract on Charter Parties and Bills of Lading is unnecessary and undesirable, inasmuch as the ordinary forms of insurance upon goods having been adapted to meet the well known exemptions from liability for the acts and defaults of the shipowners' servants, protection against loss resulting therefrom can be more cheaply obtained by the shipper or consignee from the underwriter direct than by forcing a liability upon the shipowner and thereby increasing the freight." This amendment was not accepted by the Colonial Delegations. The resolution was supported by the Australian and New Zealand Delegations, the representatives of the Board of Trade and shipowners dissenting. The Colonial Office representatives abstained from voting. 3. Payment of Seamen's Wages, (p. 127.) A resolution was proposed " that it be a recommendation from this Conference to the Board of Trade to suggest that legislation be introduced whereby all seamen be paid two-thirds of their wages due at every port where the crew may desire their wages to be paid." An amendment was proposed " that this Conference approves of the , principle embodied in Sections 61, 62, and 63 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, with respect to the allotment and payment of seamen's wages which embody an agreement at between representatives of British shipowners and seamen." The amendment was voted for by the United Kingdom Delegation (including the representatives of British shipowners and seamen) and by Mr. Dugald Thomson. The Australian Delegation (with the exception [of Mr. Thomson) and the New Zealand Delegates present dissented, and supported the original motion. Sir Joseph Ward was not present.