THE MARITIME CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 1 May 1907, Page 3

THE MARITIME CONFERENCE

SUMMING UP RESOLUTIONS. Received 30th, 0.18 p.m. London, April .10. The Navigation Conference earned the resolution originally submitted by the Board of Trade and Colonial Offices, but amended by Mr. Hughes, recommending that any future Australasian merchant shipping legislation contain an express provision safeguarding the obligation imposed by any treaties in which the Australian Government and New Zealand Governments had concurred, or mav concur.

Mr. Cox, on behalf of the Colonial Office, stated it was now customary to provide every colony with the opportunity'of intimating adhesion to or dissent from a treaty, also the right to withdraw on twelve months' notice, also

to be able to obtain favored nation treatment without being bound under treatment, if it extends to reciprocal treatment.

The Board of Trade moved that all the Conference's resolutions are understood to be without prejudice to a decision on the legal question involved. Sir W. Lvne opposed, on the ground that the Conference's resolutions' were not legally binding. Sir J. G. Ward objected. Tiie resolution, he said, really meant that the respective countries would be obliged to await legal decisions before the Conference's resolutions could take effect. The motion was withdrawn. •The Board of Trade moved that the obligations imposed by Australia and Jfftw Zealand on shipping registered in the "United Kingdom should not be more onerous than imposed on foreign shipping. -

-Sir J. Cj. Ward declared that he fa* Tored giving British ships preference. If the motion passed it might create a . difficulty in obtaining the Crown's assent to Colonial legislation, owing to teaty rights with foreign nations. Sir W. Lyne thought the motion superfluous. He wished to give preference to British ships.

Mr. Hill said he thought such kindly sentiments ought to be recorded. Ultimtely, c:i Sir W. Lyne's suggestion, the resolution was prefaced by the words "it is desirable," and then carried. The Board of Trade's motion that, with a view to uniformity, Australian shipping regulations should have regard to Imperial shipping regulations, and three months' notice be given before they are enforced, was carried. With the Board of Trade's motion, recommending that, in Australasian cenditiona imposed on vessels incidentally engaging in coasting trade in the course of an oversea voyage, care should be taken not to handicap those vessels, Sir .W. Lyne disagreed, not wishing to be tied down.

Mr. Hughes said he did not desire to handicap the British ship owners. Bather he desired to handicap foreigners. _ Sir J. G. Ward suggested the insertion of "needless" before "handicap." , Me. Lloyd-George suggested substitution of the words "differentiate to their disadvantage, as compared to colonial register vessels," instead of the concluding words of the resolution.

The suggestion was adopted, and the amended motion carried.

Sir J. G. Ward's motion was carried, that the Governments be requested to introduce legislation giving effect to the Conference's resolutions.

Mr. Hughes' resolutions relating to the examination of officers, also recommending that the number of officers be such as to enable the principle of the four hours' watch and eight hours off to be rigidly observed, was withdrawn after assurances by the Board of Trades' expert that the matters were already covered.

Sir J. G. Ward moved, and Sir W. Lyne seconded, a vote of thanks to the Hon. D. Lloyd-George for his courtesy and ability while presiding. The motion was agreed to unanimously. Sir J. G. Ward hoped these Conferences would be held at reasonable intervals.

The Hon. Mr. Lloyd-George hoped the next would be Imperial, embracing all the self-governing colonies. Mr. Lloyd-George banquets all the delegates on Friday.

Government Cable —Press Association Telegram. London, April 29. The Navigation Conference concluded its sittings to-day. The important work done is generally considered to he advantageous to the future working of British shipping. The Conference showed a distinct preference to the employment of British ships in England and the Colonies.