THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 244, 21 February 1911, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

, AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, February 19. The Daily Chronicle, discussing the Imperial Conference, maintains that the Blue Book shows the strikingly great wope of concerted and closer interImperial action entirely apart from preference, and is a conclusive refutation •f the delusion that without a tax on food there is nothing to hope or strive after in the domain of Imperial politics. The Daily News declares that the conference has an ambitious programme. '.' THE QUESTION OF PREFERENCE. '•' Melbourne, February 20. Mr. Fisher strongly supports New Zealand's suggestion that the proceedings at the Imperial Conference be open. Referring to preference, he does not consider the subject barred. The action of Canada may affect other Dominions to some extent, but not necessarily so as to close the whole subject. He agreed with the cabled Press comment that there was great scope for' inter-Imperial action apart from preference. SOME OF THE REMITS. Sydney, February 20. The Commonwealth questions for discussion at the Imperial Conference have been published. South Africa desires that all matters relating to the oversea Dominions should be placed directly under the Prime Minister of Britain. It desires to encourage shipping combines formed with the object of controlling freight rates. Canada has no subject to discuss. New Zealand suggests the Imperial representation of the oversea Dominions, Imperial penny postage, and a Stateowned Atlantic cable.

THE LABOR EXCHANGES. Received 20, 9.30 p.m. London, February 20. The Chronicle cmpliasises the importance of the Imperial Conference discussing the question of emigration, and particularly the resolutions to be submitted on behalf of Australia, and the British resolution regarding labor exchanges. The 'Chronicle's labor correspondent Bays the idea U for the central exchange serve as a clearing-house for the Empire's surplus labor in various parts of the Empire, and make frequent reports to British exchanges, arranging temporary or permanent transfer of surplus labor to where the demand exists. He adds that a factor in the situation making for uncertainty is the attitude of trades unions and labor leaders, who are believed to be strongly opposed to State-aided immigration of unemployed, and if the Conferences agrees to the scheme the trades unions may oppose it.

SOT OF THE SHOWY KIM). i Received 20, 11 p.m. London, February 20. The Daily Telegraph says that Sir Joseph Ward will Very likely he the leader of the party for consolidation at the Imperial Conference, hut the party Which is averse to any experiment in essentials is sure to have an overwhelming ascendant. The conference is unlikely to be of the showy kind, appealing to the Empire's imagination, but will rather deal with legal technicalities, such as nationalisation, navigation, and «ihle rates. It is impossible that practical shape will be given to the All-Red route.

SEND-OFF TO THE PREMIER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Yesterday. -On a requisition signed by the Mayors of suburban boroughs and leading citizens, the Mayor of the city (Mr. Bagnail) convened a public meeting to arrange a public gathering, probably in Albert Park, to accord a fitting send-off to the Premier and the Attorney-Gen-eral (Dr. Findlay) before they leave to attend the Imperial Conference and the Coronation ceremonies.