NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2058, 1 May 1907, Page 2

NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

Press Association.—Copyright. Received April 30, 9.18 p.m. LONDON, April 30,

The Navigation Conference carried a resolution originally submitted by the Board of Trade and tho Colonial Office, but amended by Mr. Hughes, recommending that any futuro Australian merchant shipping legislation should contain express provision safeguarding tho obligation imposed by any treaties in which the Australian and New Zealand Governments had concurred or may concur.

Mr. Cox, on behalf of the Colonial Office, stated that it was now customary to provide every colony an opportunity of intimating its adhesion to or dissent from a treaty. They had the right to withdraw on twelve months’ notice and were also able to obtain favored nation treatment without being bound under the treatment if its extends to reciprocal treatment.

The Board of Trade moved that all tho Conference’s resolutions are understood to be without prejudice on the decision of the legal questions involved. Sir William Lync opposed this on the ground that the Conference’s resolutions were not legally binding. ; Sir Joseph Ward objected to the resolution. It really meant that the respective countries were obliged to await a legal decision before the Conference’s resolutions would take effect.

The motion was withdrawn. The Board of Trade moved that the obligations imposed by Australia and New Zealand on shipping registered in the United Kingdom should not be more onerous than those imposed on foreign shipping. Sir Joseph Ward declared - that he favored giving British ships preference. If the motion was passed it might creato a difficulty in obtaining the Crown’s assent to Colonial legislation, owing to treaty rights with foreign nations. Sir William Lyne thought the motion supoflous. He wished to give preference to British ships. Mr. Hill thought such kindly sentiments ought to be recorded. i Ultimately on Sir William Lyne s suggestion, the resolution was prefaced by the words, “It is desirable, and it was then carried. Received 9.54 p.m., April 30. A Board of Trade motion was carried, that with a view to uniformity the Australian shipping regulations should have regard to the Imperm Shipping regulations, and three months’ notice should be given before they were enforced. A Board of Trade motion recommended that in the Australasian conditions imposed on vessels incidentally engaging in coastal trade the course of their oversea voyage, care should be taken not to handicap those vessels. I Sir W. Lyne disagreed, not viisning to be tied down. I Mr. Hughes did not desire tp handicap British shipowners, but rather desired.to handicap foreigners. Sir Josepd Ward suggested the insertion of “needlessly” before I u £ hnndica-p. Ji r~ I Mr. George suggested the substitution of the words “differentiate to their disadvantage as compared with I colonial register vessels” instead of I the concluding words of the resoluI ,tion. I The suggestion was adopted, and the amended motion was carried. Sir Joseph Ward’s motion was carried, that the Governments bo requested to introduce legislation giving effect to the Conference’s resolutions.

Mr. Hughes’s resolutions relating . to examination of officers and recommending the number of officers be - such as to enable the principle of a , four hours’ watch and eight hours off to he rigidly observed was with- . drawn after assurances from the Board of Trade’s expert that the matters were already covered. Sir Joseph Ward moved, and Sir W. Lvue seconded, a vote of til ft its to Mr. George for his courtesy and ability in presiding. This was carried unanimously. Sir Joseph Ward said he hoped those conferences would be held at reasonable intervals. Mr. George said he hoped the next would be Imperial, embracing all the self-governing colonies. Mr. George banquets all the delegates on Friday. Mr. Deakin and Sir Josopli Ward lunched with the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, dined with the Earl of Derby, and attended the Duchess of Sutherland’s reception.