R—3a.

13

Mr. Boucaut then moved the following resolution : — That it is desirable that the Governments of the Continental colonies should, at as early a period as possible, interchange views as to the intended routes of their principal railway lines, so as to enable junctions of the various systems to be arranged for at the most suitable points. Motion carried unanimously. Sir James Wilson then moved the following motion : — That in. the opinion of this Conference the necessity of the joint defence of the Australian Coloaies should be recognized and acted upon promptly by their respective Governments and Legislatures, in view of the present unsettled state of Europe, and having regard to future contingencies. Motion carried unanimously. The Conference then adjourned until Saturday the 18th instant, at ten oclock. GEAHAM BERET. 18th MAY 1878. Present: The Hon. Graham Berry, in the Chair ; The Honorable J. F. Burns, The Honorable J. P. Boucaut, The Honorable C. S. Mem, C. Todd, Esq., C.M.G. The Honorable Sir J. M. Wilson, The Minutes of tho previous meeting wore read and confirmed. Sir James Wilson stated that he desired to place on record his reasons for dissenting from the conclusions arrived at by the Conference in disregarding the claims of New Zealand and Tasmania, and handed. in a memorandum embodying his views to be appended to the Eeport. After a short adjournment Mr. Berry moved, seconded by Mr. Burns—■ That whilst the Conference has not made any provision for the duplication, at the present time, of the Continental Line of Telegraph from Port Darwin, the Eepresentatives of the different colonies, expressly reserve for confederate action a future decision on this important point, and empower the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria, before entering into and making any contract with the Eastern. Extension Telegraph Company for constructing the second cable between Port Darwin and Singapore, to receive an engagement from South Australia to co-operate with the other Australian Colonies in constructing and maintaining a new line of telegraph from Port Darwin, to be connected with the telegraph system of Queensland; provided that, in the event of such line being decided upon, South Australia shall not be called upon to contribute thereto. Discussion ensued.—Motion carried, South Australia not voting. Air. Burns intimated that it was not tho intention of the Government of New South Wales to renew the prohibition against the importation of English and other stock, which would expire on the 30th. June ; and that it had been his intention to move a resolution on tho subject, but as he had learned, from the discussions which had taken place, that the delegates were not prepared to deal with the question, he should leave it for the consideration of the colonies concerned, without inviting the Conference to express any opinion on the course proposed to bo taken by the New South Wales Government. Mr. Burns then moved, seconded by Mr. Mem— That the Agents-General be requested, in view of the early termination of the Postal Treaty of H873 between the Imperial Government and the Colonies, to elicit from the Secretary of State for tfio Colonies tho intentions of tho Imperial Government in reference to the Suez, Pacific, and Torres Straits Mail Services. Motion put and carried unanimously. Tho Eeport of the proceeding of the Conference was then considered, and agreed to. It was then moved by Mr. Mem, seconded by Sir James Wilson— That tho thanks of tho Conference be given to the Honorable Graham Berry for the services rendered by him as the President of tho Conference, and that the President be requested to convey the thanks of the Conference to Mr. Ware for the efficient manner in which he had performed his, duties as Secretary to the Conference. Motion put and carried unanimously. The Conference then adjourned sine die. GEAHAM BERRY, President.