LORD SALISBURY ON IMPERIAL FEDERATION. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] London, August 11.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2200, 14 August 1886, Page 2

LORD SALISBURY ON IMPERIAL FEDERATION. [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] London, August 11.

A DEPUTATION' of member* of the Imperial Federation League waited to-day upon the Marquis of Salisbury to urge that a conference should he held, or lloyal Commission, including colonial delegates, appointed to suggest means for collective action in the defence of Britush ports in time of war, promoting commercial interest, postal and telegraphic communication, to further fie maintenance of peac* 1 , and to secure the close union of the Empire. Mr James Service, in a speech on behalf of the deputation, alluded in bitter terms to the way the Imperial Government had in former years neglected eolonhl interests, but hoped this was now changed. Government was capable of negotiating with France for her withdrawal from New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Such a «tcp would bind Australia closer than ever to the mother country. Lord Salisbury, in reply, stated that he was unable on his own authority to answer the request of the deputation, but he would consult his colleagues in the matter. He said he fully recognised the importance of the deputation, and was impressed by tre rapid growth of the federation movement. He believed ab&olute federation was preirature, and that it would be wisest to formulate h scheme ; but that it was a mistake to consider the movement unreal. The Government would always keep the detire for federation before them. His Lordship went on to say that he approved of the views of Captain Colomb regarding Imperial defences. Government would confer thereon with a number of leading colonists. The remarks which had been made by Mr. Service regarding New Guinea were outside the range of practical politics. He concluded by praising the energy the colonies had ihown in matters of defen©i.