NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2041, 28 March 1907, Page 3

NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

SPEECH BY NEW ZEALAND’S PREMIER.

LONDON, March 27. Tho Navigation Conference has opened at the Foreign Office, There wero present four representatives of tlio Board of Trade, two representatives of tlio Colonial Olfico. Mossis. Kenneth Anderson, C. F. Fernie, and Norman Hill represented the shipowners. and Messrs. Havelock Wilson and J. Kenny the seamen. All the Australasian delegates were present.

Mr. Lloyd George, presiding, welcomed the delegates, and explained the objects of the Conference. Although the Motherland moved slower than the colonies, yet it moved very fast last year in the merchant and shipping, and workmen’s compensation Acts, which anticipated many recommendations of tlio Australian Royal Commission, nobly improving the amenities of life on the sea. Ho suggested that the Conforonco ho confined chiefly to the question of principle forming tlio basis of a practical solution of the issues between the Motherland and the colonies. Ho emphasised the durability and uniformity of shipping legislation. Tlio only difficulty was in finding a standard embodying practicable arrangement acceptable to all parties. Sir Joseph Ward acknowledged the 'kindly welcome. Sprightly youth enabled the colonies to avoid legislative mistakes of the Old Country, and enabled them to move faster. Nort Zealand rightly claimed a share in the internal working of the Empire’s laws. They realised tlio stupendous difficulty in framing legislation applicable to merchants and the shipping world. They felt sure the practical result of the Conferences would be better protection of shipowners and seamen. He hoped New Zealand’s act would be the basis for any suggested improvements in the Imperial laws. New Zealand would accept no retrogression, but was willing to adopt improvements; Received 9.20 p.m. March 27. Sir William Lyne said tlio Conference rendered it easier to understand the difficulties and find a solution. While desirous of recognising the interests of the Imperial Government and British ship-owners, he felt bound to state that due regard must be paid to the different conditions of Australia, where the rate of payment of seamen was much higher.

Received 9.37 p.m. March 27. Sir William Lvne,* continuing, referred to Australia’s extensive coast lino. Australia asked that British vessels’ trading on the coast should accept local conditions. They also held strong views in regard to the employment of colored seamen. Sir William Lyne analysed the provision of New Zealand legislation, the latest British Acts, Australia’s Bill of 1901, and the recommendations of the Royal Commission. He drew pointed attention to the-New Zealand Act, which contained nearly all that the Commonwealth was asking. The British Act also went a considerable way, though not as far as Australia hoped and intended to go. Britain had already made a great advance in regard to air space wages, and other points, in improving the seamen’s conditions. Australia was specially determined regarding wages, employment of colored seamen, and the importance of improvement in the general condition of seamen. Sir William Lyne, continuing, said the Commonwealth Government had prepared a Bill based on the Royal Commission’s report. Australia was unlikely to' be satisfied with anything less.

In discussing details, referring to conveying passengers by cargo ships, tho question was raised whether the standards affecting the hulls, machinery, boilers, and life-saving appliances, established by the Board of Trade could he accepted for British ships throughout the Empire. The Conference adjourned to the 4th April. Sir Joseph Ward is very pleased with tlio prospects. Sir tyilliam Lyne considers that the British feeling is temperate and conciliatory. i AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, March 20. Vehement speeches ■ were delivered ill the Duma in favor of a Bill for tho suppression of a summary courtmartial, and revision of previous sentences of penal servitude. Bishop Eulogius condemned tho death penalty, but asked the Duma to also condemn terrorists’ acts. A young man dropped a bomb in the street at Warsaw, killing one and injuring himself and four others. It is believed the bomb was intended for the'colonel of the gendarmerie, who. was oxpected to pass that way. MOROCCO. LONDON, March 20. - The Times comments on Germany’s willingness to support Franco, but il is not clear what the diplomatic corps at Tangier have to do in the matter concerning' France and Morocco. Tlio Pasha and Shcreef of Marrakesh arc inciting the populace against tho French colony, who arc refuging ill tho Jewish quarter. , MOROCCO, March 20. w Moorish officials arp indifferent to Dr. Mauehamp’s fate. Some soldiers are very,truculent. PARIS, March 26. France has decided to occupy Vjda until Dr. Mauchamp’s murderers have been punished, his family compensated, and a sum contributed foi the siiport of French philanthropic work in Morocco. Received 9.33 p.m. March 27. 1 PARIS, March 27. yi. T*;,- 1 '■■■wcil France’s actio 1 - was strictly limited. Ho strongly deprecated mutual hostility and ex cossive competition among European! in Morocco. He hoped there woulc a wholesome truce. Mr. Rihci spoke in support. The Chamber o’, Deputies unanimously voted confidonee. There is indication that Ujba wit bo occupied without resistance.

Received 10.40 p.m. March 27

Al. Pielion, in the Chamber of Do p,I ties, in a resolute speech, enumer ated French grievances ill Morocco Two French Cpstoins officials hat hern murdered oil the frontier ii February, 1906, and only one of tin criminals had been surrendered Charbanmier’s murderers were known yet the authorities refused to arrest them, and replied impolitely tc France’s claims. The situation had become intolerable, after Dr. Mauchamp’s murder. France was determined to oblige the Sultan to oh servo order and legality as far as Franco was concerned. The demands include the dismissal and imprisonment of the Governor of Marakcsh.