THE COLONIAL QUESTION. PROPOSED CONFERENCE IN LONDON. (BY TELEGRAPH.-COPYRIGHT.) [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] (Received December 8th, 3 p.m.) London, December 7.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2250, 9 December 1886, Page 2

THE COLONIAL QUESTION. PROPOSED CONFERENCE IN LONDON. (BY TELEGRAPH. -COPYRIGHT.) [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] (Received December Bth, 3 p.m.) London, December 7.

The substance of a despatch dated 25th November, addressed by the Secretary of State to the Governors of the Colonies is published. It refers to the allusion made in the (Queen's speech of September 25th to the colonies, and states that the Imperial Government has given mature con■ideration to the nieiigts therein promised, and have concluded to advise the Queen to summon a Conference in London in April or May next, to which the representatives of the principal colonies will be invited, specially to discuss questions of common interest. It is not in tended to commit the Imperial Government or the Colonial Governments to new proposals entailing heavy expense, but rather to secure the fullest utilisation of sums devoted for defence in time of peace. It would be useful to consider the promotion of telegraph and cable extension on a complete Imperial system, embracing all parts of the Empire, and avoiding increased expenditure. The Colonial Secretary hopes for the cordial co-operation of the colonies, as the Government thinks the question urgent and capable of useful consideration in organising military defence. The time has arrived for understanding, and to prepare for defence throughout the Empire, and it is hoped the Conference will recommend principles for promoting the general defence of the Empire. The despatch deprecates any discussion by the Conference of the question of the political federation of the Empire. The Conference will be purely consultative. Equal representation of the colonies is therefore not essential. It is suggested that a few leading colonists besides the Agents-General should attend, the Secretary of State to be president of the Conference.