Imperial Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1921, Page 3

Imperial Conference

CABLE NEWS,

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. WIRELESS PROPOSALS. LONDON, July 14. The committee of the Imperial Conference to-day discussed a wireless proposal submitted by Sir Henry Norman. This provides for an Empire wide scheme for enabling the Dominions and Britain to communicate with each other, but not directly. This plan provides for a two thousand miles radius, emailing that relays Will h e necessary. Mr 'Hughes bitterly opposed this, demanding a direct exchange if a scheme were to he attempted at fill. A long debate followed.

Jc deputation from the Empire Press Union resumed its interview. Mr Robert Donald addressing the delegates j on behalf of the British press elaborat- i od the views given by Lord Burnham and Mr Riddell. Mr Donald said lie had made a special study of the colleetion and distribution of foreign press news, and impressed the delegates with his clear insight info the technicalities and details of the work. Ho emphasis- . od the urgency of improved means of news exchange disabilities under which the Empire’s press was laboring were great. The British papers had enough, hut. the Dominion were infinitely worse off. It was a wonder the overseas, • newspapers supplied such extensive wide-spread information, he said, in

view of the prohibitive costs. How long , would the communications of the Empire lag behind those of other countries. ! which now are offering special encourage ment to news services, recognising the | advantages of pulJiTcity and of pro- j pngandn. Tie pointed out much of the worlds information was now tinged > with American nml French news. Quite apart from other considerations a wire- | less service was essential if they were to have up-to-date information for the , public a picture of the world’s affairs. This applied to social and of Empire matters in proper as well as the industrial and general life of the people. It was so manifestly important to the whole Empire that even were a scheme not conmiereialy profitable, yet it was absolutely necessary without delay.

WIRELESS PROPOSALS. (Received This Day at 8 a.in.) LONDON, July 14. It. was learned to-night that Mr Hughes is so dissatisfied with the outlook for wireless proposals, that he has accepted ail invitation to address a scries of question to Doctor Eceles tomorrow with a view to discovering why the apparently simple proposals are declared to involve nnsurmounfnblo difficulties. Sykes, director of civil aviation, advises l in' conference on proposals to establish airship services, Sir It mss Smith helping. PR EMIT.H,S CONFERENCE • POSTPONED. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 14. The Premiers Conference did not meet to-day owing to Hon. Lloyd Georg-’'s engagement with de Valera. To-mor-row’s conference is similarly cancelled on account of de Valera. (Meantime however the various committees are proceeding. COMM ENfCATIONS. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 14. A special committee considered the shipping phase of communications. A report submitted by Mackinder (Chairman of the Imperial Investigation Hoard) appointed tinder a resolution already cabled which included representaives of British and Dominions interests, builders and merchant*. The

Committee recommended uniform legislation throughout the Empire regarding the limitation of owners liability. So far, it is learned that Canada, Australia and Britain have already passed acts particularly with reference to bills of lading. The Committee urged other Dominions to give the matter attention soon. It is proposed tTio committee 1 should continue under Royal charter.

Mr Hughes brought up the question of rebates, and also wanted information showing how the services could he improved. The Chairman stated evidence had already been taken in regar to rebate hut no decision was reached, as to a recommendation except the obvious one that there must he no viotimisaton of shippers.

INDIAN QUESTION. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July M. Mr Hughes and Mr Sastri will he afforded an opportunity to-morrow to deal with Indian questions. Matters affecting White Australia will not be raised or even Hinted at. Complaints regarding the disabilities of Indian residents in the Dominion will be thrashed out.

Mr Meighan definitely decided to leave London on the 21st.

QUESTION OF COMMUNICATIONS. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 14. The Premiers Communications Committee resumed the discussion, Scientific. Departmental experts, civil, military and postal officials assisting. Dr AV. H. Ecclet and Normans scheme was reviewed and examined in detail, holes and. deficiencies being exposed It was decided to refer the whole matter back to the conference as a whole. Mr Hughes is understood to he dissatisfied with the progress and prospects. An impression appears to he that the driving power is Inching. One delegate went so far as to ask if any strong outside organisation was balking the wishes of the delegates. The secret was kept fairly hut it was certain the committee separated with a great diversity of opinion.