IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2503, 17 May 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

THE AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTA-

TIVES.

COLONEL BRIDGES ACCOMPANIES MINISTER FOR DEFENCE. '

United Press Association—Copyright

MELBOURNE, May 15

Colonel Bridges accompanies the Minister for Defence to the Imperial Defence Conference.

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE.

(Per Press Association.?

, . . WELLINGTON, May 15. n decision has yet been come to by the Government as to who shall represent New Zealand at the Imperial Defence Conference, which has been postponed by the British Government to the end of July, in the hope that bv so doing it may be possible for Sir Ward to be present. Says the Post : 'The difficulties in the way of Sir Joseph Ward’s attendance are considerable. Parliament must meet be-* fore the end of June, and every indication is that the session will bo long and full of trouble. There are two ways by which the Prime Minister may attend the conference with safety. He may arrange with the Opposition not to bring forward in his absence any motion which will seriously embarass tlie Government, he on his part guaranteeing that no legislation of an extraordinary character shall be brought forward;* That way out of the difficulty is not too easy. Sir Joseph Ward has already sketched a legislative programme which is not only of considerable length, but which includes many measures of a controversial nature.

i mlging als* from reported utterances, the members of the Opposition intend making the present session remarkable for the strength of their criticism, especially in regard to finance. The Opposition, it is stater is not inclined to make any arrangement which would moan even an armed neutrality. Another way in which the presence of Sir. Joseph Ward at the conference could be arranged is this: Gall Parliament together early in June, extend the appropriations so as to enable the Government to expend money after the 30th of June without trouble of passing an Imprest Supply Bill, prorogue, and have another session about the end of September. That arrangement would, of course, require the consent of the Opposition. As already stated, the Government has come to no decision in the matter; in well-inform-ed circles it is understood that Sir Joseph Ward is very desirous ot attencl--rr tlie conference, but at present, m face of the facts set out above, does yir»t s<?o how ho can possibly manage it.