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the first category the heads of the post and telegraph services. The report they have submitted to us is a sufficient record of the services they have rendered to this Conference; but I feel that we should be wanting in a due appreciation of their services were we not to unanimously pass such a resolution as this, in which we also record our appreciation of the courtesy and ability with which Mr. Buzacott has discharged his duties. The Hon. J. KIDD : I have much pleasure in seconding the resolution. I have had some little experience in connection with heads of departments, and I do not think any country in the world could be better served than we are in these colonies in regard to the heads of the various departments. I also agree with the mover of the resolution that the secretary, Mr. Buzacott, has discharged his duties with ability, and with very great advantage to those who have come in contact with him. The resolution was carried unanimously. Messrs. McDonnell (Q.), Lambton (N.S.W.), Smibert (V.), Henry (T.), and Buzacott (Secretary) acknowledged the vote of thanks. VOTE OF THANKS TO THE PRESS AND HANSARD STAFF. The Hon. J. KIDD (N.S.W.) : I have much pleasure in proposing that our best thanks be accorded to the members of the Press for the able manner in which they have recorded the proceedings of the Conference from day to day. Though the Hon. Mr. Ward formally proposed that the Press should bo admitted, the members of the Press are always admitted to Conferences of this kind ; and by their record of the proceedings and criticism of the work of the Conference, they enable the public outside to gauge in some way the value of the work we are engaged in. In asking you to carry a vote of thanks to the Press, I think I should include the members of the Hansard staff, who have rendered the Conference valuable assistance, and greatly lightened our labours by enabling us each day to have before us the proceedings of the previous day in a concise form. Mr. TODD (S.A.) : I have much pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Kidd. Question put and passed. Mr. J. GILLIGAN acknowledged the resolution on behalf of the Hansard staff. PLACE OF MEETING OF NEXT CONFERENCE. The Hon. J. G. WARD (N.Z.): I have a resolution to move which I trust will commend itself to you. In the ordinary course of affairs, I presume that we will hold another Conference in order to develop and mature many important matters which we have initiated. I hope that New Zealand will not be considered as too distant for the meeting of the next Conference. It is quite as easy to get there, and occupies no more time than to get to some places upon your own continent. lam sure it will do the political heads and the permanent heads of departments no harm to see New Zealand, but, on the contrary, it will do them good. I therefore move that the next Conference be held in New Zealand. The Hon. J. KIDD (N.S.W.) : I have much pleasure in seconding the resolution. Of course we are not at all sure as to who will compose the next Postal Conference, but we are going to do just what we have been doing all along. Everything we are doing is for the good of the colonies. That is what has influenced us with regard to all our work. It would not be wise for me to go beyond that, as in young countries things in political life are so changeable. We do not know what a week—sometimes even a day —may bring forth. I, for one, would not speak too hopefully of being the representative from my own colony, and Ido not think that I very much care. That is the feeling which should animate every representative of the people. For the time being he should do the very best he can in the interests of the country he represents in the place he occupies, whether as a private member or as a member of the Government. I must say this in conclusion that when the day comes when the services of our President are lost to the Government of Queensland it will be very hard to replace him. I have very much pleasure in seconding the resolution. The PRESIDENT : I do not look upon it as a compliment to any colony to have the Conference held in it. I look upon it as a right. We are all working in the Union, and a fair share should be accorded to every colony. Whoever may be appointed to the next Conference, I am sure they will be just as much pleased to go to New Zealand as to go to any of the other colonies. It is a good thing for public men to associate with their neighbours, and see for themselves the progress that is being made in other colonies. No colony should ask for the Conference to be held in it as a compliment. We are all working in a thoroughly federal spirit, and from that point of view it is as much a right as it is a pleasure to the colony where the Conference meets to have the Conference sitting there and to entertain.the other delegates. None of us must think we are a greater colony, or possess greater wealth than others. Let us go and judge for ourselves of the other colonies, and then we can distribute the knowledge we have gained. Wherever we go we can learn something, and from New Zealand we can learn a great deal. The people of that country have roused themselves; and, after a sad experience of many years, they have got themselves through their troubles and difficulties, and they are now the most flourishing people in Australasia. lam sure no one grudges them their prosperity, and I only hope that it will increase a hundred fold. So long as they have such able men at the helm as they have at present, lam sure the colony will go ahead, and that you will all cordially agree to the resolution, whoever may be the next representatives. Question put and passed. The proceedings then terminated.

APPENDIX