THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 27 April 1907, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

KAVAL DEFENCE OF THE EJIPIItE. h6w the colonies MIGHT ASSIST, Received 20th, 10.15 p.m. London, April 20. At the Imperial Conference Lord Tweedmouth on Tuesday asked the colonies to trust the Admiralty to secure the naval defence of the Empire in the future as in the past, but would welcome the colonies taking some leading part, the Admiralty to have timr.ro „° strategic and coal questions, ond «, m . mand of the naval forces and distrihiitiofl of ships, so as best to resist attacks, and defend the Empire. We wish he said.the colonic, to give all assistance' but we do not come to you as briars' The total colonial subsidies amounted to £328,000. The (iovernment was ready to meet contributors in a liberal and conciliatory manner, and did not wish to insist that contributions should be necessarily in money. He recognised the great difference between the condition of the various colonies, and was quite ready to enter into any arrangement with the

colonies which would lie advantageous to hemselves and the navy. He recognised the natural desire of the autonomous colonies to have a more particular share m providing for the nayal defence of the Empire. Ii "unity of command and direction of the fleet were maintained, the Government was ready to consider th» modification of existing agreements. It the colonies wished to provide for a local uernee in the Imperial squadrons, smaller vessels would be useful against pos sible raiders, or they might co-operate with the squadrons. The colonies might also equip and maintain docks and litting establishments, and it would be of great assistance if provisions were made for coaling facilities. Naval stores would also be useful, and it would be an enormous advantage to find well trained men in the colonies small flotillas, which would provide an admirable means ol coast defence.

Sir Joseph Ward said New Zealand regarded the Admiralty as the custodians of the navy. He indicated that he would cordially eo-operate with Mr. Deakin in helping the Commonwealth to attain its desire regarding naval defence.

SPEECH BY SIR J. G. WARD. BIGGER SHIPS FOR AUSTRALASIA. Received 28th, 1023 p.m. Loudon, April 2(i. Continuing, Sir Joseph Ward said *»ew Zealand's heavy expenditure in works and development rendered it impossible to undertake heavy financial responsibilities for local defence, while the colony was prepared to contribute more than £40,000, and willing to expend part in manning ships. He admitted that in war time the whole strategical work and disposition of ships ought to be under the Admiralty. Apropos the manning, he dwelt on the advisability of some system of deferred pav for colonial seamen, in order to meet'tlie difliculties of the present dual svstem oneratrag on some warships. Lord Tweedmouth remarked that it was impossible to admit an unlimited number of men to the naval service. He hinted that in future there would be greater concentration of ships in Australian waters. If they would not be so frequently seen on the station tliev would be bigger vessels.

EMIGRATION RESOLUTION AGREED TO. m, n , London, April 20. the Conference on Thursday unanimously adopted Australia's resolution with reference to emigration.