THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 997, 27 May 1911, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

THE KING’S MESSAGE. SIR JOSEPH OUTLINES HIS PROPOSALS. London, May 25. Sir Joseph Ward, referring to New Zealand's universal military training, paid a tribute to Lord Kitchener, without whose assistance and influence the scheme would never be possible. He hoped by and by they would have the inexpressible pleasure of again receiving Lord Kitchener in New Zealand (cheers). Whatever contribution New Zealand had given was to support the Empire as a whole. New Zealand’s attitude towards the Navy was not due to limited resources but to the great majority’s belief in the principle of one King, one Empire, and one Navy owned by the whole Empire for the protection of all. Hon. Mr Murray, Premier of Victoria, interviewed, thought Sir Joseph Ward’s Imperial Council ought simply to be a consultative body. Replying to a suggestion that such an Imperial Council would be useful in co ordiuatiug the efforts of different parts of the Empire in matters of defence, Mr Murray said he believed an Imperial Council of Defence would be quite able to co-ordinate. He did not think Britain’s Naval advisers required to be told what to do with the British Navy by Australia.

The King, in a message thanking the Imperial Conference for its assurance of loyalty, stated he was keenly interested in the deliberations and trusted the Prime Ministers would convey to the people his Majesty’s deep regard ior their welfare and prosperity. Sir Joseph Ward outlined his proposals at length. He said Imperial organisation was more urgent when two of the greatest Dominions had already embarked on naval policies. New Zealand looked forward to substantially increasing her naval contribution and was surely entitled to some voice in the question of peace or war. He suggested that the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Souili A.rica, New Zealand and New Fouudland should elect an Imperial House of Representatives for Defence, with one representative for every 200,000 population, members to be elected for five years, also an Upper Council of twelve members giviug equal representation to each part.

In face of unanimous opposition Sis Joseph Ward has withdrawn his scheme.