PRESS OF THE EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 169, 11 April 1919, Page 6

PRESS OF THE EMPIRE

4 CONFERENCE IN CANADA NEXT YEAR. At a meeting of the Empire Press Union held to consider an invitation from the Canadian Press to hold a eon* ferenee in Canada, it was indicated that the Canadian Government had given their warm support, and that Lord Northclitfe had expressed his intention of accepting the invitation. Tlu-re were strong reasons for holding the gathering next autumn, but, in view of the situation of public affairs/ it was decided that it would be inadvisable tc hold tho conference until next year.

Sir Ueorgu Jfiddell, the official Press representative at the Peace Conference, stated that while in l'aris he had seen Sir Robert Borden, who had expressed hinitelf anxious to make the Canadian' Press Conference a success, and had suggested that it might possiblu tor the opening of the new Parliament Buildings at Ottawa to take place at any raio partially, in September of this year, and held out hopes that Prince of Wales might be there. With tho meeting of the Empire's Pressmen at the same time, the synchronising of these three events would make an historic and important occasion. However, since his return. Sir George thought that with the present disturbed state ,of affairs, probably the view taken by his colleagues to postpone tho visit till next year might be the correct one.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Campbell Stuart said that Lord Northeliffe was very keen on making the conference a great event, and was quite prepared to go to Canada as a member of the party when tlie data was arranged. The Canadian Government, ho thought, suggested next autumn, iSwing to the favourable climnlio conditions, though really the whole of the Parliament Buildings would not ba' ready before January next. Lord Burnham, while willing to waive his own feelings as to tlio advisability of being absent so long this year, left it to other meribers to express opinions. Colonel Keny Australia) thought that there was not the least chance of Australian editors going this year, and this, it was felt, would 1m the opinion of the other Dominions. In view of the various indications from English journalists, it was decided to inform the Canadian hosts ; that next year would be n belief occasion. , Sir George Riddeli urged that Bnti6h trade journals should !>e admitted, and that tho number of British journalists of all shades should be no fewer than 80. making a total, say, of 100 representative pressmen from the_ whole Empire. Sir Harry Brittain inquired: "Why not nslc the Government to lend us a cruiJ serf" Probably, he (.aid, by that tima we might be abloto fly across the Atlantic. , _ , . Mr. Percy Hurd said that Lord Shauglinessy had assured hinn of his warm 6.vmnathy with the proposal, and felt confident that Mr. Beatty, the new president of the Canadian Pacific Railway,, would give every possible facility to tour right through Canada. It was pointed out that while the invitations would come from the Press of Canada, the machinery of the Enijiva Press Union might be made use of in nominating a representative deputation from tho various parts of the Empire. Mr. Marston, the secretary, was asked to draw up a statement acquainting the Dominions branches in a preliminary way with the proposal to hold tho next Imperial Press Conference in Canada.