THE NAVIGATION CONFERENCE

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8801, 1 May 1907, Page 2

THE NAVIGATION CONFERENCE

Press Association—Copyright. London, April 30.

The Navigation Conference concluded its sittings to-day- The important work done is generally considered an advantage to future working o£ British shipping. The Conference showed distinct preference to the employment of British ships in England and the Colonies.

The Conference carried the resolution originally submitted by the Board of Trade and Colonial offices, but amended by Mr Hughes, recommending that any future Australasian merchant shipping legislation shail contain express provision safeguarding 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 is now customary to provide every colony with opportunity for intimating adhesion to or dissent from a treaty, also the right to withdraw on twelve months' notice, They are also able to obtain favoured nation treatment without being bound under the treatment if it extends to reciprocal treatment. The Board of Trade moved that all the Conference's resolutions are understood to be without prejudice, decision on legal Questions involved.

Sir W. Lyne opposed this on the ground that the Conference's resolutions are not legally binding. Sir Joseph Ward objected to the resolution, saying it really meant that the respective countries would be obliged to await legal decisions before the Conference's resolutions can 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 The motion was withdrawn.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 favoured giving British ships preference, and if the motion was passed it might create a difficulty in obtaining the Crown's assent to Colonial legislation owing to treaty rights of foreign nations. Sir W. Lyne thought the motion superfluous. Ho wished to give preference to British ships. Mr Hill thought such kindly sentiuients ought to be recorded. Ultimately on Sir W. Lyno's suggestion the resolution was prefaced by the words '* It is desirable" and was then carried. The Board of Trade motion was curied that with a view to uniformity the Australian shipping regulations should have regard to Imperial shipping regulations, and three months' notice be given before they are enforced.

The Board of Trade's motion recommending that in Australasian conditions imp osed on vessels incidentally engaging in coasting trade in the course of oversea voyage, care should be taken not to handicap those vessels. Sir W. Lyne disagreed, not wishing to be tied down.

Mr Hughes did not desire to handicap British shipowners, but rather desired to handicap foreigners. Sir Joseph Ward suggested the insertion of "needlessly" before "handicap." Mr George suggested the substitution of the words " differentiate to their disadvantage as compared with the Colonia" 1 register of vessels" instead of the concluding words of the resolution. The suggestion was adopted, and the amended motion carried. Sir Joseph Ward's motion was carried that Governments bo requested to introduce legislation giving effect to the Conference's resolutions. [ Mr Hughes' resolutions relating to examination of officers, also recommending that the number of officers bo such as to enable the principle of a four hours watch, with eight hours off, to be rigidly observed, -was withdrawn, after assurances by tho Board of Trade's export that the matters are already covered. Sir Joseph Ward hoped these Conferences would bo hold at reasonable in-

tervals. Jli- George hoped tho next would be Imperial, embracing all self-governing colonics.