The Conference.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43085, 27 April 1907, Page 2

The Conference.

NAVY AND COLONIES.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

LONDON, Yesterday.

At the Conference, Lord Tweedmouth on Tuesday asked the Colonies to trust to the Admiralty to secure the naval defence of the Empire in the future as in the past. They

would welcome the colonies taking some leading part in the Admiralty, which claimed to have charge of strategic and coal questions, commanded the naval forces and distribution of ships so as to best resist

attacks and defend the Empire. They would wish the Colonies to give all assistance, but we do not come to you as beggars. The total colonial subsidies were £328,000 The Government was ready to meet contributors in a liberal and conciliatory manner, and did not wish to insist that contributions should be necessarily in money. They recognised the great difference between the condition in the various colonies and were quite ready to enter into any arrangements that the colonies might deeni advantageous to themselves and the

Navy, and recognise the natural desire for autonomy, and the colonies would have a more particular share in providing the naval defence of the Empire if unity of command and direction of the fleet were maintained. The Government was ready to consider a modification of the fishing agreements, if the colonies would provide for local service in the Imperial Squadron. The smaller vessels would be useful against possible invaders, or to compete with the squadrons, and also to equip and maintain docks and fitting establishments which would be of great assistance. Provision and coaling facilities and naval stores would also be useful. It would be an enormous advantage to find well-trained men in the colonies. Small flotillas were an admirable means of coast defence.

Sir Joseph Ward said that New Zealand regarded the Admiralty as the custodiaus of the Navy, and indicated that he would cordially cooperate with Mr Deakin in helping the Commonwealth in its desires for naval defence

At the Conference, speaking on Australia’s emigration resolution, Mr Deakin stated that the AgentsGeneral considered the immigrants’ information bureau of little good. His sharp criticisms of the conduct of that branch of the colonial office had disconcerted the officials, particularly in their attitude as regards recruiting labour here for the Queensland sugar estates. An official attempted to explain the omission of the bureaux to report, on the ground that it was undesirable to say much respecting the Kanaka and White Australia questions. Mr Deakin retorted that Australia was not ashamed of her treatment of the Kanakas or her white Australian policy, The bureau was at perfect liberty to speak with absolute opinions on both questions. Mr Deakin dwelt upon, and urged the need for increased emigration to Australia and indicated the sort that was likely to succeed.

“ Some little time ago,’' aays Mr J. G. Boyle, Kelmscott, W.A., “ I was suffering from a severe cough, which threatened to take a serious form. Hearing so much about Chamberlain’s Cough Remedy I decided to give it a trial, and to my great satisfaction was completely cured by the time I had finished the first bottle.” For sale by Johnson and Wigg agents.