PREMIERS' CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 121, 13 May 1908, Page 3

PREMIERS' CONFERENCE.

r THE FIXANCLAL PROBLEMS. s XO SETTLEMENT ARRIVED AT. Melbourne, May 12. The Premiers' Conference concluded its sittings without reaching a settlement of t lie financial problems. The Conference adopted a series of Resolutions to the effect that it viewed with apprehension Sir W. Lvnc's proposals, considering that if ado'pted, tbev would seriously affect the financial independence and solvency of the States. Xo financial scheme could be assented to which did not provide for the States receiving a fixed annual sum and a pro. portionate part of all increases of customs and excise revenues. For the purpose of enabling the Federal Government to initiate a general scheme of old age pensions the" States were willing to accept a smaller percental than three fourths of the Customs and excise revenue. It was further resolved that the States should lie the sole judges of the advisability of raising loans without interference from the Council of Finance: that the amount returnable to the States should be on a per capita basis; that the sinking funds proposal. without making equitable provision for compensation, was objectionable; that. in the event of the Commonwealth taking over the debts, these debts should be reduced by the sum of the tranferred properties. The resolutions urged an early settlement of the question and its'siibmission to the State Parliaments as early as possible. Mr. A. Deakin and Sir W. L v ,„. attended and discussed the resolutions. Mr. Deakiu suggested that when the tariff was out of the way. he would submit Sir W. Lyne's proposals and the Premiers' resolutions to the Federal Parliament. Then, if the States thought fit, they might have a furlner conference. The Conference discussed the question of co-operation between the Federal and state Governments in promoting immigration. Referring to the recent cable mrs- | sage Mr. Deakin said the Federal Coveriiment had not considered any proposal to subsidise the London 'standard, but was considering a proposition for advertising Australia by taking a certain space in the new weekly islue of that paper. The rest of the issue would be made up of cables from Caii•ida. South Africa, and other parts of

the Empire. He wanted to *<v if the Stairs would join in taking part in this advertising.