THE PREMIER AND THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 507, 14 May 1909, Page 4

THE PREMIER AND THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

.The Prime. Minister has, been placed in a rather embarrassing position by the proposal to hold the Imperial Conference on Naval Affairs at bo early a date. It was first proposed to hold the Conference in London in June, but later it was announced; that in the hope of enabling the Peime Minister of New Zealand to attend it had been put off until the end of July. This special attention to the Dominion was no doubt due in part to its offer of a Dreadnought, and we must regard it as a graceful recognition. Did circumstances permit, , it would bo a right and proper thing that,Sie Joseph Ward should ma,ke the trip Home and represent this country at the Conference. We believe that Sir Joseph is very anxious to make the trip, and that he' has not yet made up his mind on the" subject. Unfortunately the time is most inopportune. Parliament will bo sitting. It is a new Parliament, . and the Government is largely "composed of Ministers new to their responsibilities. Moreover, it is a time in, the country's affairs when the Government of tho day is required to give;its closest attention to the administration of tho publio finances, and when the utmost caro and economy are needed. The Ministry is. a, lamentably weak ,one, and however much the Prime Minister may desire to take part in the Conference, and however willing the public might be under other conditions that he should have the honour of representing the; Dominion thereat. Sir Joseph will be well advised to put'the subject , out of his mind. We fear, however, that this is not. his. intention.'