IMPERIAL UNITY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16749, 2 January 1915, Page 11

IMPERIAL UNITY.

SUGGESTION FOR CONFERENCE THIS YEAR. HON ANDREW FISHER’S VIEWS. [Pir Press Association.] AUCKLAND, January 1. The suggestion made by the London “ Times” with referenoe to the Hon A. Fisher’s visit to New Zealand and the holding of an Imperial Conference this year,, was referred to by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth tonight. “T think tho London ‘ Times ’ is. right in tho attitude it takes up and in tho opinion it has bo clearly expressed,” said Mr Fisher. “Many of our difficulties have arisen from the want, of opportunities for the meeting of representatives of the dominions and the Mother Country. Canada stands in a different position to most of the other dominions, since she is in such close proximity to the Mother Country and can easily communicate with the Government there at any time on any matter in which difficulty arises, j That is not possible in this portion of i the world, and the gravest issues can i only be dealt with ■by cable or by despatches which arrive not before a month lias elapsed. In my opinion a conference during this year would be of, more value to all parties concerned than any that has yet been held. It would afford to the world evidence of a fact too little known, that all parts of the British Empire even whilst at war can meet together and discuss a critical situation in as calm and deliberate a'manner as if it were not engaged in any great war at all. I have not changed my views as to the necessity of one or . more of his Majesty’s Ministers in Great Britain paying an official visit to his most distant dominions. T hope that phase of tho matter will not be lost sight of even at this criticnl-juncture. “If the holding of a conference he not possible,”. Mr Fisher added, “I am in favour of Imperial Conferences being held every two years, because I think our strength lies* in getting into the closest possible touch with each other, i. 0., in personal consultations and deliberations. By these means the ties of unity will be strengthened to a greater extent than by any other method I can suggest.”