IMPERIAL NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 28 March 1907, Page 3

IMPERIAL NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

CNITED PBEBB ASSOCIATION —B\ KLICTBIC TELEORATII.—COPYBIGHI.

OPENED IN LONDON. f" SPEECH BY SIR JOSEPH WARD. Received 27th, 9.20 p.m. London, March 27. The Navigation Conference lias open cd at the Foreign Office. There were present four representatives of tieBoard of Trade, two from the Colonial Office, Messrs. Kenneth Anderson, C V. Fernie, and Norman Hill, representing the shipowners: Messrs. llaveloek Wilson and D. J. Kenney, representing the seamen; and all the Australasian delegates. The Hon. Mr. IJoyd-George, President of the Board of Trade, who was presiding, welcomed the delegates. He explained the object of the Conference. Although, he said, the motherland moved slower than the colonies, yet she moved very fast last year in the. Merchant Snipping and Workmen's Compensation Act, which anticipated many of the recommendations of the Australian Royal Commission, notably, in improving the amenities of life at sea. lie suggested that the conference be conlined chiefly to the question of principle forming the basis of a practical solution of the issues between the Motherland and the Colonies. He emphasised the desirability of uniformity of shipping legislation. The only difficulty was in finding a standard embodying a practicable arrangement acceptable to all parties. Sir J. G. Ward acknowledged the kindly welcome. Their sprightly youth enabled the colonies to avoid the legislative mistakes of the Old Country, and enabled them to move faster. " NewZealand rightly claimed a share in the internal working of the Empire's laws. He realised the stupendous difficulty of framing legislation applicable to the merchants' shipping world. He felt sure the practical result of the conference would be better protection of the shipowners and seamen. He hoped New Zealand's Act would be the basis for any suggested improvements in the Imperial laws. New Zealand would accept no retrogression, but was willing to adopt imprqvements.

IAUSTRALIA'S REPRESENTATIONS.

Received 27th, 9.20 p.m. London, March 27. Sir W. Lyne aaid the Conference would be rendered easier if they understood the difficulties of which they liad to find a solution. While desirous of recognising the interests of the Imperial Government and British shipowners, he felt bound to state that due regard must be paid to the different conditions obtaining in Australia, where the rate of payment to seamen was much higher. Referring to Australia's extensive coastline, he said Australia asked that British vessels trading on the coast should accept local conditions. They also held strong views with regard to the employment of colored seamen. Sir W. Lyne analysed the provision of the New Zealand and latest British Acts, the Australian Bill of 1904, and the recommendations of the Royal Commission, and drew pointed attention to the fact that the New Zealand Act contained nearly all the Commonwealth was asking. The British Act also went a considerable way, though not as far as Australia hoped, and intended to go. Britain had already made a great advance with regard to air space, wages, and other points, improving seamen's conditions. Australia was specially determined regarding wages, the employment of colored seamen, and the improvement of the general condition of seamen.

COLONIALS PLEASED WITII PROSPECTS. . Received 27th, 10.22 p.m. London, March 27. Sir \V. Lyne, continuing, said the Commonweath Government had prepared a Bill based on the Royal Commission report, and Australia was unlikely to be satisfied with anything less. When discussing details, and referring to the survey of passenger and cargo ships, the question was raised whether the standards affecting hulls, machinery, boilers, and life saving appliances es tablished by the Board of Trade could be accepted for British ships throughout the Empire. The Conference adjourned till the 4th of April. Sir J. G. Ward is very pleased with the prospects, and Sir W. Lyne considers that British feeling is tempera'e and conciliatory.