AFFAIRS OF THE EMPIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2084, 20 May 1907, Page 2

AFFAIRS OF THE EMPIRE.

Press Association—Copyright. , T LONDON, May 17. Mr. Deakin in his speech, said ho hoped cable communication would bo so cheapened as to enable them to have the exact terms of contract explained. Progress had been made in unifying the company law of Australia, with its attendant advantages. He was also trying to harmonise the law in reference to insurance and since his arrival had consulted the directors of the Bank of England regarding the possibility of passing a banking law which would have currency throughout the Commonwealth. Dwelling on the advantages accruing tr the Commonwealth’s prospective assumption of tlio whole of the various States’ debts, he remarked that gradually by the adoption of circumstances the interior, with its great pastoral and agricultural interests, would become far more independent of variations- of climate. He added concerning immigration that if only the States could be« persuadad . to break away from red-tape methods the Commonwealth Government, would undertake to bring over all the settlers they could find, and place them on the land. He hoped an agreement with South Australia relating to half a million acres of iand would be sanctioned in 1909. The Times eulogises Mr. Deakin’s fresh, comprehensive, well-informed vigorous speeches, addressed to popular audiences, justifying Lord Milner’s tribute. “We are indeed in-. I debted to those speeches for the most I we know about the actual aims , and I arguments of the Premiers in the I Conference.

''The Daily Chronicle' states that Sir W. Lyne’s remarks are sadly lacking in restraint, and even in courtesy. Mr. Asquith’s address to the Conference was unquestionably trenchant. If Sir W. Lyne cannot answer it he had better leave it alone. “We welcome discussion, but there should be as little direct infusion of party spirit as possible.’’ Mr. Deakin, interviewed, declared

that Sir R. Bond certainly protested emphatically at' the Conference against the way in which the Newfoundland Legislature had been treated, and the Imperial Government’s refusal to reverse its attitude. The Premiers during the sitting wore impressed with sympathy with Sir R. pßond’s contention ’ but gave no demonstration of their feelings. Press Association.

WELLINGTON, Saturday. The Government lias supplied the Press Association with the following cable:— LONDON, May 17. In conferring the freedom of the city on Sir Joseph Ward at Bristol on Wednesday morning the Lord Mavor referred to New Zealand as '. probably the most beautiful country • in the world. Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, stated that the colony was anxious to entend its,. trade and would be glad to see a general increase in the trade with the British Isles and was glad to know that Bristol was anxious for reciprocity. 7 x. -

* Speaking in London at tile New ; Zealand dinner the same evening Sir Joseph Ward expressed his deepest i regret at the Hon. Hall-Jones’ illness, and -said he had been an active, energetic and able Minister, and he was ! sure all the New _Zealanders present , would join in sending an expression of sympathy to' his family and their ’ hopes for a speedy recovery. He re- ■ ferred to the general prosperity and financial position of the country, dealing with both fully. Sir Joseph - referred to the splendid feeling everywhere there had been towards New Zealand and its people. It was a gratifying feature of his visit to find New Zealanders resident in England doing well, but he hoped tho best colonists would stick to the country. He urged the importance of New Zealanders in England using their influenee with the.people to obtain a fast passenger and mail service connecting the Old Land and the colony across the American continent. 1 ’ Sir Joseph:Word proceeded to Dublin .the-same night and next day a' Doctorship of Laws of Trinity College, Dublin University, ’ was conferred on him. The Lord-Lieutenant delivered a complimentary speech and afterwards took Sir Joseph Ward through the New Zealand Court at the Dublin Exhibition, which presents an excellent exhibit of the colonyls products.. After proceeding to : thp Vico-Regal House in Phoenix Pqrk, he was entertained by the Provost and 200 students of Dublin University. A party of New Zealanders accompanied Sir Joseph and all had an enthusiastic reception in Dublin. Sir Joseph Ward left‘for New Zealand to-night. A large party at Charing Cross Station gave him an enthusiastic send-off. Before leaving London Sir Joseph gave evidence before the Royal Commission on Irish Railway matters. Ho stated the goneral position of tho New Zealand railways and expressed strong opinion in favor of State ownership.