THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1567, 12 April 1887, Page 1

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

London, Aril 7. ■ The following is the precis proceed ings at yesterday’s sitting of the Imperial Conference: —Delegates generally favored an extension of judgment of the Colonial Probate Conns, and it was decided to draft certain clauses for submission to a Select Committee, and after the latter’s report to consider them in the whole conference. The conference discussed the question of iife-saving appara us at sea, whereon there was a wide difference of opinion, but it was agreed to alter the present system and calculate by vessels’ tonnage. The representatives of the Im'iorial Government announced that the views of delegates would be referred to the Board of Trade, or to a Parliamentary Committee. The conference now stands adjourned till Thursday, the 14th inst. April 9. The Imperial Conference has closed without any practical results. The Anglo-Australian penny postal scheme was blocked. The representatives from New South Wales and Victoria proposed an amendment to the bankruptcy law in the direction of making it reciprocal throughout the colonies. They argued that the bankruptcy laws of the various colonies have culminated in a complete failure, owing to the diversity of the conditions. The proposals submitted for the defence of the colonies were very indefinite, especially with regard to a State fleet. A discussion with reference to the defence of colonial ports was begun, and the delegates thought that the colonies should only be called on to maintain these defences after they had been constructed. The Government are “ trimming,” apparently with a desire to obtain as much support as possible from the colonies, but the attitude taken up by the Victorian representatives will probably induce the Government to modify the proposal submitted.

A whole batch of knighthoods has been offered in connection with (he Imperial Conference. It is understood (h«t all the unknighted delegates will be treated alike, and that the following hove accepted the offer of K,O.M.G, ; Messrs Downer, Tbornbury, and Apington. Mr Wisdom has been offered a similar honor, but has not decided to accept it. It is rumored that knighthood is to be offered to Mr Lorrimer and Mr J. Hoffmeyer (Capetown), April 10. Mr Deakm has declined the honor of knighthood. Sydney, April 7. The Government has instructed the New South Wales delegates at the Imperial Conference to act with the other Australian delegates, if possible, on questions relating to New Guinea and the New Hebrides, and the deportation of criminals to the Pacific,