THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1564, 5 April 1887, Page 1

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

London, March 31. The Marquis of Nortnanby, Sir Andrew Clarke, Sir George Bowen, Mr Childers, and all the ex-Secretaries of State for the Colonies have been invited to take part in the deliberations of the Imperial Conference. April 1. A meeting of the Imperial Federation League was held at the Mansion House last night. Sir James Service, of Victoria, delivered' a speech, in which he stated that the colonies desired the Imperial Government to duly consider their views on Imperial affairs. They were, however, largely prepared to sink their interests for the good of the Empire. The treatment of the New' Guinea and New Hebrides questions by the Imperial Government bad caused dissatinfaction in the Australian colonies. He considered the'Home Government was too ready to yield to the 1 wishes of foreign countries.

At a meeting of the Federation League las- night most of the delegates to the Imperial Conference were present. Mr Service felicitated the League on having initiated the conference. Imperial federation was forcing its way to the front, but it must be brought about gradually, and not hurried. At the sapoe time it was necessary to remind British statesmen that whilst the Empire was engrossed in party differences and petty fights they were neglecting Imperial matters of great importance. It has been said that India would not be represented at the conference. The Straits Settlements will be represented by Sir Andrew Clarke, who was Governor >om 1873 to 1875.

April 2.

It is announced that at the instance of Mr Hennicker-Heaton the PostmasterGeneral has declined to sign a contract for the carriage of mails between England and Australia until the Imperial Conference has discussed the question. April 3.

At a banquet given by the members of the Federation League to the colonial delegates to the Imperial Conference, the Duke of Cambridge advocated the cementing of the Home and colonial forces, and declared that the security of the Empire depended on Imperial federation. Mr Edward Stanhope, Secretary of State for War, has declared that the Imperial Conference would stir the blood of the whole Empire, and the result would be that the colonies and England would understand each other. Sir F. D. Bell, AgenuGtnerul for New Zealand, expressed the hope that the Conference would obviate feuds regarding the New Hebrides, and would tend to promote the unity of the Empire. The Chief Secretary of Victoria stated that the Australian Governments were resolved to be masters in the Pacific.