9

A.—4

considered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Premiers of the self-govern-ing colonies. In case of any emergency arising from which such a conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordinary conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter." Original Notice of Motion G. " That, owing to the application of the coastwise laws of the United States of America and of other nations, the time has arrived for negotiations to be opened with the view of removal or modification of these restrictions on British trade, failing which that the Imperial Government should take steps to protect the trade of the Empire by declaring that the colonies and dependencies shall come within similar coastal laws." Eesolution No. 6 passed by the Conference deals with this question, as follows : — " That it is desirable that the attention of the Governments of the colonies and the United Kingdom should be called to the present state of the navigation laws within the Empire and in other countries, and to the advisability of refusing the privileges of coastwise trade, including trade between the Mother-country and its colonies and possessions, and between one colony or possession or another, to countries in which this corresponding trade is confined to the ships of their own nationality, and also to the laws affecting shipping, with the view of seeing whether any other steps should be taken to promote Imperial trade in British possessions." Original Notice of Motion H. " That the Prime Ministers of the self-governing colonies suggest that the question of the allotment of the naval and military cadets to the dominions beyond the seas be taken into consideration by the naval and military authorities, with a view to increasing the number of such candidates ; that, consistent with insuring suitable candidates, as far as practicable greater facilities than now obtain should be given to enable young colonists to enter the navy and the army, and that those officers with only limited means may be enabled to maintain adequately their position as officers, and remain in His Majesty's service." This, with a slight alteration, is resolution No. 11 passed by the Conference, as follows: — "That the Prime Ministers of the self-governing colonies suggest that the question of the allotment of the naval and military cadets to the dominions beyond the seas be taken into consideration by the naval and military authorities, with a view to increasing the number of commissions to be offered ; that, consistent with insuring suitable candidates, as far as practicable greater facilities than now obtain should be given to enable young colonists to enter the navy and the army."

At the conclusion of the Conference the Premier paid a visit to the provincial districts and chief manufacturing centres in England. He also visited Scotland and Ireland, and was present at the great Dublin Horse-show and the Cork Industrial Exhibition. The degree of Doctor of Laws was also conferred on the Premier by the University of Edinburgh. Among the honours and distinctions received by the Premier during his visit were the Freedom of the Borough of St. Helens, the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh, the Freedom of the Royal Burgh of Annan, and the Freedom of the Tallow-chandlers' Company of the City of London. The freedom of the City of Sheffield was offered, but owing to the Premier's departure from England he was unable to accept it. The Premier deems it right to mention these marks of distinction received, recognising, as he does, that they were bestowed not so much on himself personally, but as high compliments to the colony that he had the honour to represent at this historical occasion. He ventures to hope that in his visit to the Mother-country, prolonged as it was from unforeseen causes, he at all times devoted his abilities and experience to the best interests of the people of New Zealand, and fervently hopes that good to the Empire and the colony may result.

EESOLUTIONS OF COLONIAL PREMIERS' CONFEEENCE IN LONDON, 1902. The following addendum gives the resolutions passed at the Colonial Conference : — 1. Conferences to be held every Four Years. That it would be to the advantage of the Empire if Conferences were held as far as practicable at intervals not exceeding four years, at which questions of common interest affecting the relations of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and considered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Premiers of the self-governing colonies. The Secretary of State for the Colonies is requested to arrange for such Conferences after communicating with the Premiers of the respective colonies. In case of any emergency arising upon which a special Conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordinary Conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter. 2. Communication prior to entering on Treaties. That, so far as may be consistent with confidential negotiations for treaties with foreign Powers, the views of the colonies affected should be obtained, in order that they may be in a better position to give adhesion to such treaties. 3. Mutual Protection of Patents. That it would tend to the encouragement of inventions if some system for the mutual protection of patents in the various parts of the Empire could be devised. That the Secretary of State be asked to enter into communication with the several Governments in the first instance, and invite their suggestions to this end. 4. Purchase of Cables. That it is desirable that in future agreements as to cable communications a clause should, wherever practicable, be inserted reserving to the Government or Governments concerned the right of purchasing, on equitable terms and after due notice, all or any of the cables to which the agreements relate. 2—A. 4.