THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1560, 24 March 1887, Page 1

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Loudon, March 19. The Times, in an article on the scope and object of the Imperial Conference, characterises it as the most interesting gathering of Imperial and colonial representatives ever called. Speaking ot the year’s national demonstrations, the conference must be regarded as tht most memorable event of the jubilee. The same journal, discussing the important questions to be considered at the conference, especially mentions the Ocean Postal Service, which is denounced as being utterly inadequate to the progress of the age and to the rapid development of the British possessions. Its defects are glaring and the system bad, whilst it is more costly than it should be. The question of Imperial federation will be discussed, but an opinion is expressed that the time has not arrived for giving practical effect to any scheme effecting the political federation of the Empire. The Chronicle, in an article on the conference, refers in hopeful terms to it, and says it is likely to lead to beneficial national results. Commenting on the decision not to allow a full measure of representation to the Crown colonies nt the conference equally with autonomous colonies, the Chronicle would like to have seen every colony represented on the occasion, which would practically have made it a Federal Parliament.

Mr Downer, the South Australian delegate to the Imperial Conference, and bis wife have been presented to the Queen. Mr Dodds, the Tasmanian delegate, has arrived.

March 21.

A circular has been issued by Sir H, Holland to the representatives at the Imperial Conference announcing the programme to be carried oat at the conference, and inviting suggestions for further discussion.

March 22

Sir Henry Holland, in a memo, to the delegates to the Imperial Conference, enjoins complete secrecy in reference to the proceedings. The Victorian delegates hold a meeting on Wednesday. Mr Downer, the South Australian delegate, will confer with the members of the Marriage Reform Assembly on Wednesday.