THE EMPIRE'S PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 19 April 1907, Page 3

THE EMPIRE'S PARLIAMENT

REGRET EXPRESSED AT MR. SEDDON'S DEATH. IMPERIAL COUNCIL QUESTIOX. London, April 17. The Confereuee resumed. Sir J, G. Ward moved a resolution expressing deep regret at Mr. Seddun's death, and recognising bis strenuousiu the interest of the Kmpire. Elgin endorsed Sir J. G. Ward'.? eulogy of the deceased statesman. The resolution was unanimously carried iu silence. The Conference then proceeded to discuss resolutions submitted by Mr. l)eakin and Sir .Joseph Ward in favor of an Imperial Council of a purely consultative advisory character. Dr. Jameson supported the proposal. Sir Wilfrid Lauiier showed exuvmu caution. Mr. Botha thought it would be bettei to leave well alone. It would be a mistake to create a department which would rival the Colonial Oflice. Lord Elgin noiilted his intention to submit a resolution, which he hoped would meet the ditlieulty. x PROPOSED CONSTITUTION OF ADVISORY COUNCIL. MR DEAKIN'S AND SIR JOSEPH i WARD S SUGGESTIONS. . , Received 18t.li, 10.15 p.m. London, April 18. At the Conference, Mr Deakin urged tlie establishment of a consultive Advisory Imperial Council of the Prime Minister* of Britain and autonomous colonies, without executive authority, assisted by a secretariate to bridge the intervals between conferences. He suggested that the Prime Ministers and not the Colonial Office be the medium through which the autonomous colonies should work "in - connection with matters of great Imperial and colonial interests. In supporting the proposal, he adduced the arguments he had frequently uttered in Australia and at Hoiiie.

Sir Joseph Wanl urged that the Briitish and colonial Prime Ministers, with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, be members of the Council. He suggested that the Crown colonies, which are controlled by the Colonial Office under the advice of the Government, continue to be called colonies,, while the autonomous colonies ne termed States, or some other name distinguishing them from Crown Colonies. He urged that the channel of communication with the Imperial Government continue to be through Governors.

OPINION REGARDING COUNCIL DIVIDED. EL'• —- Received 18th, 10.29 p.m. London .April 18. Lord Elgin urged that the Colonial Office had done good work in the past, and prepared work for a policy oi eontinuity. The British Government was unable to agree to the creation of a separate body with power of interference between respective Governments. That .Would be a dangerous course to pursue. One of the Premiers interjected: "We do not suggest anything of the kind.'' Lord Elgin submittal a long resolution which he hoped would secure acceptance to settle difficulties. A decision is expected to morrow. Mr Botha implied that the present machinery of the Conference was not unsatisfactory. They might discuss improvements and then leave the matter over for future settlement. It was best to build slowly. . All the Colonial Premiers adopted Sir Wilfrid Laurier's suggestions of the title Imperial Conference in preference to Imperial Council. It was recognised there must be unanimity respectting any alteration oi the Conference's constitution, or nothing would be done.

Sir W. Laurier reserved his decision, though he implied that he did not favor the creation of the tuw Council as a permanent organisation. He thought it might develop tendencies which would not prompt a continuance of the present happy relations between the Home and Colonial Governments. The term "Downing Street" was no longer used in Canada as a term of execration.

Sir W. Lyne's attitude was reserved, and apparently somewhat unsympathetic to the Council scheme.

Thte question of defence was deferred till Saturday, when it is hoped Mr R. B. Haldane, Minister for War, wili l)e present.