THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. JEALOUS AUSTRALIA. “SLUMP OF SEDDONISM."

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 522, 19 September 1902, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. JEALOUS AUSTRALIA. “SLUMP OF SEDDONISM."

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, Sept. IS. The London correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, writing on the work of the Imperial Conference, states that the most noticeable feature was the defeat of the ultra-imperialistic party and the slump in Seddonism. After a good deal of negotiation over the naval subsidy, Sir E. Barton and Mr Seddon agreed to recommend a contribution of £2-10,000 per year, of which New Zealand’s share is £40,000. Mr Seddon stipulated that one-third of the ships should always bo in New Zealand. Sir E. Barton protested against this, on the ground that while Mr Seddon had pledged his colony to one-sixth of the cost he wanted one-third of the benefits. Sir E. Barton brought matters to a crisis by announcing that ho was prepared to recommend the Australian Parliament to vote £200,000 for the exclusive right to the services of a slightly smaller fleet, provided lhat in times of peace the ships are prohibited from using any coal other than English or Australian. This meant that New Zealand would have to make a special separate arrangement for a small fleet of her own, aud would lose the benefit of the coal contracts fur the Australian squadron Mr Seddon was quick enough to see this, and capitulated, and accepted the original terms under which one warship and one cruiser for drill purposes will be permanently stationed in New Zealand.

Mr Seddon obtained no support (or his proposals to establish a fighting force for the service of the Empire, excepting some sympathy from the Cape and Natal. Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Sir E. Barton were so pronounced in their opposition lhat the project was promptly abandoned.

j [The attempt to make Fiji an appanage of New Zealand also failed. Mr Chamberlain asked Mr Seddon how it would be if it was found preferable to bring New Zealand under Australian control, and support the transference of that colony to the Commonwealth. Mr Seddon ridiculed the idea.

“ Then, by what right,” asked Mr Chamberlain, “do you propose to usurp the government of an independent State like Fiji, which is gradually working out a destiny towards self-government?” Mr Seddon declined to discuss the question, saying in effect, “ I can seo I havo to face a hostile Conference, and will, therefore, not press the matter any further.”