The Conference of Premiers.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 209, 7 March 1896, Page 2

The Conference of Premiers.

(Per Press Association). Sydney, March 6, The Conference of Premiers has adopted the following resolutions respecting Federal defence : — That Federation is essential for cny complete scheme of Australasian defence. Meantime, it is desirable the laws of the various? colonies be amended to allow the local forces to serve in any part of Australia aud Tasmania for the purpose of defence against foreign aggression Uniformity of control and discipline, arms and pay, when on active service, should be secured as soon as practicable. The establishment of a cordite factory in Australia is a matter of urgent importance. With regard to the • Japanese treaty , it is inexpedient for the colonies to becomes parties to the treaty. As to undesirable immigration, it is desirable -without delay to extent the provisions of the Chinese Restriction Act to all coloured racos. The Conference adopted, with unimportant modifications, the resolutions of the recent Melbourne Health Confererce with reference to Federal quarantine, and the recommendations of the Hobart Maritime Conference of 1894 with respect to ocean tmd coast lights. The Victoriau representatives, however, reserved their right to indicate to the various Governments at a later period their decision on the last question. A resolution was also carried that the deliberations of the Conference have made the urgent necessity for the Federation oi the colonies more apparanfc than ever.