The Conference.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43093, 16 May 1907, Page 3

The Conference.

(By Telegraph!—Press Association.)

LONDON, Yesterday.

Mr Deakin’s resolution was discussed relating to the re-organisation of the colonial office. Mr Deakin said that efficient administration of that great public department was becoming yearly more important, and it was imperative they should periodically readopt its methods and machinery to changing circumstances. He showed how much out of touch even the best colonial officials must be if they conducted all their business by correspon- ! dence alone. The Government must infuse new blood into it if they hoped , to keep in step with the development of the self-governing dominions, and must work outside of the Colonial Office among the different interests and places affected, Mr Deakin sketched the duties he proposed for the new Imperial Secretariate to fulfil. Regarding the same, Lord Elgin doubted the practicability of interchange of officials, and warmly defended his staff and constitution. The new secretariate would require time and exercise great caution.

Sir Wilfred Laurier moved a vote of thanks to Lord Elgin, expressing his warm and sincere appreciation of his presidency, and thanking him for the many courtesies extended to them. He desired to place on record the deep sense of gratitude the colonial representatives felt for the generous hospitality of the government and people of the Motherland.

Mr Deakin seconded, expressing a hope that the next conference would be held when parliament was not sitting, and the London season not held, and trusted the secretariate would keep colonial governments fully informed about all matters prior to delegates starting from the colonies, Lord Elgin replied, and the Cabinet Ministers who attended the sitting participating in the discussions, the Conference really had been a conference of governments. He considered a great advance had been made upon the previous conferences, and believed from the standpoint the business of the Conference had been largely successful. The Premiers dined with Lord Elgin.