THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3150, 21 February 1911, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

A PARTY OF CONSOLIDATION.

MAY BE LED BY SIR JOSEPH

WARD

[.UNITED PEESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received Feb. 20, 9.30 p.m) LONDON, Feb-. 20.

The “Daily Telegraph” says that Sir Joseph Ward will very likely be the leader of a party of consolidation at the Imperial Conference, but the party averse to experiment in essentials is sure to have an overwhelming ascendancy. Whether or not the conference will deal with legal technicalities, such as nationalisation of. navigation and cable rates, it is possible that practical shape- will bo given to the All Red route. THE EMIGRATION QUESTION. A LIBERAL NEWSPAPER’S OPINION. (Received Feb. 20, 9.45 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20. The “Daily Chronicle” emphasises the importance of the Imperial Conference discussing the question of emigration, particularly the resolutions to be submitted on behalf of Australia, and the British resolutions regarding labor exchanges. A CENTRAL LABOR EXCHANGE. The “Chronicle’s” labor correspondent says that the idea is for a central exchange to serve as a clearing-house for the Empire’s surplus labor in various Parts of the Empire, and to make frequent reports to British exchanges, arranging a temporary or permanent transfer of surplus labor where the demand exists. The correspondent adds that a factor in the situation making for uncertainty is the attitude of the trades unions and the Labor leaders, who are believed to be strongly opposed to State-aided immigration of unemployed. If the Conference agrees to the* scheme the trades unions may oppose it. QUESTIONS TO BE DISCUSSED. SYDNEY", Feb. 20. The questions for discussions at the Imperial Conference have been published. South Africa desired all matters relating to oversea dominions to he placed directly under the Prime Ministers. Britain* desires to encourage shipping combines formed with the object of controlling freight rates. Canada has no subjects to discuss. New Zealand suggests Imperial representation of oversea dominions, Imperial penny postage and a State-owned Atlantic cable. ~ * MELBOURNE, Feb. 20. Mr. Fisher strongly supports New Zealand’s suggestion that the proceedings at the Imperial Conference be open. Referring to preference, he does not consider the subject barred. The action of Canada may affect other dominions to some extent, but not necessarily close the whole subject. He agreed with the cabled press comment that there was great scope for interImperial action apart from preference.