HAMBURG STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2051, 11 April 1907, Page 2

HAMBURG STRIKE.

A SETTLEMENT EFFECTED. Received 9.28 p.m., April 10. BERLIN, April 10. The Hamburg strikers have undertaken to work at night, the masters offering twelve months’ contract and a mutual month’s notice clause.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

LONDON, April 9

The Times, in a loader, urges that much can bo done at the coming Conference to bring nearer the ideal. It considers that equality can be granted in the domain of consultation forthwith. Sir 11. Campbell Bannerman is the only person able to properly preside at the opening of a gathering of Imperial

Prime Ministers. That the Prime Ministers of the Empire should bo presided over by a Departmental Minister is a direct negation of the principles of equality of status, and a direct subordination of the colonies to a British Department. It is true Sir 11. C. Bannerman is busy, hut the other Prime Ministers are equally busy, yet they come from the ends of the earth. Sir 11. C. Bannerman’s absence would create an unfortunate impression, all tho. more as the one practical result of tho colonics’ desire to achieve preferential trade is hardly likely to be realised extensively on the present occasion. Tho first of a series of articles en-

titled “Tho Conference and Imperial Unity” appears in the Times, with a sub-heading “Fundamental Issue: Severance of Partnership.” The writer contends that the key to -the universally applicable solution of existing difficulties must be sought in the constitutional position of tho colonies, which now feel themselves nations brought into the arena of world politics, hence tho United Kingdom’s monopoly of jiolitical power and privilege in all foreign and Imperial questions, which was natural enough in the colonies infant days, has now become intolerable. The writer predicts that the industrial development of tho colonies will call for the extension of influence over the Tropics, and for sea-power necessary to maintain it. Imperial unity, the keystone of the arch enabling the Empire to withstand all dangers, can only be preserved by the admission of the colonies into partnership on Lord Milner’s lines, based on equality of political status. Mr. Deakin, in an interview, recognised the generosity of the British during Australia’s incubation. The Commonwealth was now free from official supervision. Australia would be the last to consent to its renewal or application to others. The Conference was a recognition that the colonies were not directly represented in the councils of the Empire, but were at least entitled to be so in matters of common concern. Its success was assured before opening, owing to the manner in which public attention here and in the colonies had been focussed upon it. Its purpose was to think Imperially with practical results. A discussion on the merits of the New Hebrides convention was unlikely, but the extraordinary mode of making the convention would be discussed, having regard to Australia’s representations to the Colonial Office. He declined to express an opinion as to tin attitude of the State Governments on their non-inclusion in the Conference.

The Standard says it is but duo to the colonial visitors to acknowledge their sacrifice and the magnitude of tlieir mission. The chair should be taken by Sir H. C. Bannerman, who could not be surpassed for his gift of graceful rhetoric and able guiding of debate; moreover, a section of Radicals regard Lord Elgin’s Imperial prepossessions with increasing disfavor, while Sir H. C. Bannerman retains their unqualified confidence.