THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8787, 15 April 1907, Page 2

THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE.

Press Association—Copyright. London, April I t. General Botha and Sir Wilfred Laurier have arrived to attend the Conference.

Why Limelight is Wanted

London, April 13

Mr Deakin on behalf of the Colonial Premiers, strongly urged Lord Elgin to admit the Press to the Imperial Conference. He declared that the Premiers did not leave their posts for four months to sit with closed doors and keep their •constituents in ignorance. Sir Francis Hopwood states that the Press will be excluded from the opening of the Imperial Conference, which will itself determine subsequent procedure. It is believed that Sir H. CampbellBannerman wiil merely formally welcome the Premiers and make noncommittal reference to the programme, leaving Lord Elgin to conduct the proceedings. The Premiers are yery dissatisfied with the arrangements. Mr Deakhi warmly advocates the fullest publicity, urging it _ in regard. to almost nil the questions to be discussed. He has written to Sir H. Campbell-Banner-man protesting against secrecy, and insists' upon at least a pretty full daily precis of the results, disclosing the sentiments of the different speakers. Lord Elgin hopes that fifteen sittings, extending to May Sth, will be sufficient, though this is considered doubtful. Mr Deakin and Sir Joseph Ward have received no invitation to appoint representatives on any Anglo-French committee to consider salaries and conditions of servicce of officials of the Joint Court in connection with the New Hebrides Convention. They are rather disposed not to assume any responsibility in the matter since they were not consulted. Mr Deakin raises the whole question at the Imperial Conference at the earliest opportunity, including French steamers convoying intoxicants to the group. More from Mr Deakin. Press Association. —Copyright. London, April 13.

On tho eve of the Conference Mr Deakiu remarked to an Australian press interviewer that the first conference was an absolute novelty and was unsettled regarding tho character and conduct of its functions. It was an experiment or at best an expedient. Tho fourth conference was almost an institution. The extension of the Empire was picturesquely expressed by the presence of Botha. Though without powers the Conference exercised a great perturbing influence on all current policies, especially on that of Britain. Tho results achieved in the Council Chamber must be small compared with the influence it exorcised and the groat impetus it was bound v-o giyo to Imperial reflections. Anew period of Imperial evolution was opening. It is to bo hoped that tho Australian people will bo able to make a place iu history worthy of those rejoicing iu the possession of a great past and that they vyill feel their responsibilities as architects of the future.

It is officially' announced that the opening of the Imperial Conference will bo private and that Lord Elgin will preside. After delivering an address Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman will withdraw. All the Premiers, excepting Sir R. Bond, Premier of Newfoundland, who lias not arrived, will attend, also tire Colonial Minis,tens,

A Nut to Crack, Lord Rcny announces that Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman will appoint a representative of India, probably Sir J. L. Mackay, to attend the Colonial Conference in support of freotrjjde for India. Lord Reay thinks ho will prove a hard unt for the Premiers to crack, Mr Dcalcin is amused at this idea, Welcome to Botha.

Botha was given a hearty reception at Southampton and Loudon. Replying to an address of welcome from Southampton Corporation ho used tho words ” Cfod bless our King and Empire.”