IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1571, 21 April 1887, Page 1

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

London, April 16. At to-day's sitting of the Conference the following subjects were under discussion—Enforcement of judgments, bankruptcy laws, and winding up of public companies. The delegates generally favored reciprocity in enforcement of judgments, and uniformity of bankruptcy laws in England and the colonies. The representatives of the Imperial Government agreed that it wbs desirable to amend the existing system in connection with winding up companies, and the Conference settled the draft proposals for legislation in this direction. The Economist, commenting upon the proposals before the Conference, favors the suggestion that trustees should be empowered to invest in colonial stocks. The Spectator thinks that if loans of the larger colonies were made irredeemable within thirty years they could borrow as cheaply as Liverpool and Birmingham. April 18. The question of the naval defence of the Colonies was discussed by the Conference to day, when the figures on which the Admiralty's estimate of the cost are based were submitted. Lord George Hamilton said they found themselves unable to forego the sinking fund, but they were willing that the Colonies should contribute about £120,000 annually, whether in peace or war time, including £50,000 for Binking fund, lasting ten years. Two vessels from the combined fleets wculd be stationed in New Zealand only. Three of the auxiliary fleet would be permanently commissioned. The others it was proposed to keep in reserve at headquarters. The delegates unanimously approved of the proposals subject to the Colonies tbey represented endorsing them. Sir Patrick Jennings was in favor of the cost being divided on the basis of population. Mr Deakin urged that as ftew South Wales would derive most benefit irom the local expenditure she ought to contribute the largest quota, Mr Service, in an impressive speech urged the necessity of agreement among the delegates on this point. He pointed out that Europe would regard disunion as an indication of national weakness. The delegates general!? were of opinion that the discussion of the question of the allotment of costs was premature, The discussion of the Pacific Islands question by the Conference has been postponed till Monday, at the request of Mr Service, <