IMPERIAL AFFAIRS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1133, 22 May 1911, Page 5

IMPERIAL AFFAIRS.

AUSTRALASIAN BANQUET.

FEDERAL PROBLEMS DISCUSSED BY

MINIS iERS,

STRIKES AND PROSPERITY. By TekeraDb—Press Association—Cojjrieht (Bee. May 21, 5.5 p.m.) London, May -0. The Australasian banquet was held last night, two hundred and fifty guests being present. Sir Ucorgo Eeid, iiigli Commissioner for Australia, presided, but lelt early to attend the State Ball. Sir John Cockburu, formerly AgentGeneral tor South Australia, proposed "Prosperity to Australia and Aew Zealand."

Mr. Batchelor and Senator Pearce, tho Commonwealth Ministers for Internal Affairs and Defence respectively, responded for Australia, and Mr. Gilbert Andenou, formerly of Christchurch, for New Zealand, in tho absence of Sir Joseph Ward and Sir William Hall-Jones at the State Ball.

Mr. Batchelor declared that at no period of Australian history had there been such a splendid return for industry and capital. There was in the Commonwealth an abundance of land awaiting workers. He advocated a reciprocal commercial agreement between Australia and Now ZealandAustralia was having strikes at present, because its prosperity was so great that the readjustment of wages could not keep pace with the increase in industry. The Australians had done more as a people to prevent strikes than any other nation had attempted. They did not hear of tho strikes that had been'averted. There was every reason to believe that the present prosperity would continue. Great national projects were now in hand in tho Commonwealth, notably the transcontinental railway, and the development of the Northern Territory, which was one- of the biggest problems any Government could face. Eather than that the territory should bo developed by black labour the Government would retire at once. There would be a demand for many years for a great many people. Senator Pearce said that in matters of defence they had come to Britain to learn. It was not going to bo all plain sailing, but Britishers were never daunted by difficulties in the past. Defence was not a party but a national question in Australia. ' Some thought the Commonwealth was attempting too much respecting defence, but Australians were always willing to take risks.

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S SCHEME,

CONFERENCE WITH LIBERAL MEMBERS.

London, May 19. Sir Joseph Ward privately disenssed his Imperial Council schemo with 'forty Liberal members of tho House- of Commons. :

THE CANADIAN DELEGATES,

SIR WILFRID LAURIER ARRIVES,

(Rec. May 21, 5.5 p.m.)

London, May- 20. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Primo Minister oF Canada, and Messrs. Borden (Canadian Minister for Militia), and Brodour (Minister for Marine) have arrived at Liverpool. GENERAL BOTHA IN LONDON. SOUTH AFRICA'S ATTITUDE. (Rec. May 22, 1.10 a.m.) London, May 21. General Botha, Primo Minister of South Africa, has arrived. He will visit Gerinany after tho Coronation for medical treatment.. He states that he is certain the Conference will strengthen the bond of Empire which all have at heart. South Africa is prepared to take her full share of responsibilities, whatever they are. The commercial prospect in South Africa, General Botha says, is most encouraging, and the wool export is increasing. Mr. Malan, Minister for Education, accompanied the General. He will study university organisation with a view to tho establishment of a South African university. GERMAN COMMENT. (Rec. May 22, 0.25 a.m. Berlin, May 21. Numerous articles are being published in tho German newspapers on the Imperial Conference. Tho "Vossischo Zeitung" refers to the enormous complexity of the questions affecting the rebuilding of the greatest Empire tho world has ever seen. Tho world, it says, will await the .decisions of the Conference with interest.