24

REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS.

SATURDAY, 14 NOVEMBER, 1890. The Conference met at 1015 a.m. The Hon. Mr. Cook was elected President, and Mr. Dalgabno Secretary. It was agreed, without formal motion, that the Press should not be admitted, at least while the mail tenders were being considered. The Hon. Mr. Cook, in returning thanks for his election as President, gave a hearty welcome to the Delegates, and said the questions they had to decide were of particular importance. First, there was the question of the acceptance of tenders for the conveyance of mails to and from England; and the other matter was the very important question of whether they should be represented at the Washington Congress or not. He confessed that on looking into this las£ matter it had assumed more importance in his mind than it did before. However, before they finished they would decide whether they would be represented, and, if so, how many ought to go. To his mind, the main question was that of the mail tenders—that was by far the most important matter to settle. The question was whether the Colonies should submit to the terms and conditions offered in the tenders or not, and perhaps it would be as well to at once consider it. He was exceedingly glad to see the Delegates present, and hoped to try and make their stay as pleasant as possible. The Washington Congress. The Hon. Mr. Cook read and laid upon the Table lists of subjects it was proposed to bring before the Congress at Washington. \_See Appendices A and B.] Sir Charles Todd : There will be a further list from Berne. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn: Is it too late now to make suggestions ? Mr. Lambton explained that all suggestions should have been sent in in time to reach Berne by Ist October ; but it having been pointed out that this could not possibly bo done, a reply was received from Berne, stating that the suggestions from Australasia would be placed in the form of a supplementary agenda paper and circulated amongst the Delegates. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn : Do we send in our separate proposals ? Mr. Lambton : Oh no ; it is for the Ministers here to decide what are to be the subjects for consideration, and how the representative is to vote on them. The Hon. Mr. Cook : I was going to suggest that perhaps we might refer these matters to tho permanent heads for report, to consider this special list of eight proposals, and such others as they can rind they can deal with in the absence of the permanent heads of other Colonies. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn: Those of urgency. The Hon. Mr. Cook : Any question they find they can deal with. Mr. Lambton produced the agenda paper of the Washington Conference (just received) and explained it had not yet been translated. The Secretary read a letter from Berne, dated sth October, forwarding a portion of the agenda paj) or. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom said he would like to see included the question of the adoption, intercolonially, of a uniform telegraphic code. Mr. Lambton : I have it here. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom : We have the international system in West Australia. The Hon. Mr. Cook : The matter is referred to here, " Telegraph Code, alteration of." The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom : Each Delegate should be placed in possession of a copy of the subjects we are asked to consider. The Hon. Mr. Cook : That will be done when the permanent heads bring in their report. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom : And in the meantime we can ascertain the views of our Governments, where the questions are not ones of mere detail. The Hon. Dr. Cookburn: Mr. Wittenoom means to have beforehand, as soon as possible, some idea of the subjects to be reported upon by the permanent heads, and asks that, as soon as they have decided, you send round to each of us a list of the matters that will be discussed, and if any of us wish to communicate with our Governments we can do so. The Hon. Mr. Cook : Yes, that is right. The Hon. Dr. Cockbtjrn then moved, —" That the list of subjects to be dealt witli by tho Conference read by the President bo referred to the permanent heads, who are requested to add "to tho list any other matters of sufficient importance and urgency to be included in the list, and as soon as tho list has been prepared that a copy of the subjects for discussion be sent round to each Delegate." The Hon. Mr. Duffy seconded the motion, which was carried. It was decided, without formal motion, that the Ministerial Delegates should go into committee to consider the question of the mail tenders; and the other members of the Conference and shorthand-writer withdrew. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Wittenoom, seconded by the Hon. Mr. Duffy, the Conference then adjourned till Thursday at 10 a.m.

THURSDAY,