THE PREMIERS' CONFERRENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8082, 11 April 1906, Page 2

THE PREMIERS' CONFERRENCE.

NORFOLK ISLAND. Sydney, April 6. To enable the Commonwealth to take over Norkfblk Island it will be necessary to obtain Imperial approval. Mr Deakia (Federal Pre* mier) hopes the difficulty can be met by means of an Ordinance-in-Connci passed by the Home authorities, as in v ease of New Guinea. This will preserve to the islanders as far as possible' their existing laws. The Conference discussed tke Brad* don clause. Mr Deakin suggested that instead of seeking a renewal of the clause for twenty years, the Statcj should agree to a fixed payment by the Common" wealth for a term of ye irs. The Conference rejected this sag* gestion, N It was urged that the olauie ba extended in perpetuity, Mr Deakin strenuously declared that he could not consent to such a courte, and the Commonwealth Parliament would reject it. No decision wai reached, and the matter will be further discussed to-day.

AGREEMENT OjT IMPORTAJiTL.*--QUESTIONS. Mtt DEAKIN GRATIFIED. Deceived 10,12.8 a.m. Sydkbv, April 10. Tho Premiers reaffirmed the re»o» lutions carried at last year's conference providing for the contiuuanoe of the Braddon Clause until ail acceptable alternative is evolved. In reaffirming tlie resolutions it is desired to be clearly understood tbat they are largely based, on the proposals then made by Sir George Turner, which included taking over the State debts as a corollary to the extension clause. Mr Dealrin was present at the after* noon session, and expressed gratitude at the form the States had now sub* niitted their case with reference to the Braddon clause. The Federal Govern* ment had now a concise statement from the standpoint ofthe States on the very complex quegfaon, and there s should be no difficulty in correctly assessing the financial views aid to< quiremonjs of tho States. It was resolved tkal the conferenoe was generally favorable to the pro. posals for tho promotion of inunigra* tion, but that further details should be obtained from Mr Deakin, The con< ferenoe also resolved that weather and < shipping reports for the information of the public, should be furnished free of charge in the various States, and that , tho Commonwealth assume control of the quarantine service.