The Conference.

Manawatu Times, Volume IX, Issue 1119, 5 December 1883, Page 2

The Conference.

1 lieuter's Tegrams. Sydney, Dec 4. At the Conference this morning a long discussion took place on the subject of annexation, including Mr Whitaker's amendments to the report of the Committee/ In the course of the define Mr Whitakar made an exhaustive speech in support (if his motions. Mr Dalley, Attorney>General of New South Wales, submitted a proposition for the constitution of a federal council. Its functions as de< fined would be to deal with the following questions : — Naturali* sation of aliens, patents, quarantine enforcements, criminal process, extradition, copyright, mar--riage, divorce, prevention of influx of criminals, weights and measures, statutes of Companies, and examinations of marine disasters. It is proposed that the Council consist of two members from each colony enjoying responsible government-', and one member from the crown colonies; yearly meetings to be held at a time and place to be determined by a governor empowered by the Queen Three Colonies to be able to summon special meetings of the Council. Later. It is confidently expected that the labors of the convention will be attended with nnqnalified success. It is probable that the session will close on Friday next. The commit* tee appointed has prepared a draft of the Imperial Bill defining the constitution and functious of the proposed federal council, as reported in previous telegrams. It is understood that complete unanimity ; prevails theron among the delegates to the convention. Latest, In addition to the functions of the I Federal Council as previously teleI graphed Mr Bailey's proposition pro* yides for reciprocal enforcement of judgment) in matters affecting Aus- | tralasia and the Pacific. At the sitting lof the Conference this afternoon a I series of resolutions on the question | | of annexation, with various amendment j thereto, were discussed, and fiaally adapted unanimously, with no substantial changes from the report ■of the subcommittee, except that an additional clause was interpolated after the first, as follows :-(2) Tbe Convention refrains from suggesting the manner of carrying out the foregoing, in the confident belief that the Imperial Government will promptly and wisely take most efficient steps to secure the safety and contentment of this distant portion of I tbe Empire. With the fifth clause of j tbe series of resolutions as agreed to I (tbe fourth as telegraphed yesterday) is embodied Mr Whitaker's amendment, providing for a guarantee of the share of the cost of annexation by permanent Appropriation Acts.