7

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Eoberts) known that he would be called upon to temporarily fill the position in which he was placed, he would have been prepared to make some introductory remarks touching upon the subjects which might engage the attention of the Conference. Without notice he was unable to do that. Before going to the business of the Conference he might give expression to the great pleasure it afforded those in New Zealand to see representatives from the other colonies here. They had not secured delegates from all the colonies, but, still, the mother-colony (New South Wales) was represented, also Queensland and Tasmania—most important colonies, although not such producers of wool as New South Wales. He welcomed them all on behalf of New Zealand, and hoped that, both here and in their wanderings over the colony, their visit would be productive of information which on their return would be of value both to themselves and to their fellow-colonists. He thought he might say that, as far as the New Zealand representatives were concerned, they would be at the disposal of the Australasian delegates during their stay, and if they could further their interests by showing them over the colony, or the stock of the country, or in any other way, they would take pleasure in doing so. He hoped the delegates would not hesitate to make known their requests, which he was quite sure would be gladly conceded. He did not know in what form the business was to come up, and perhaps it might not be altogether his place as a delegate from the South to sketch out the procedure of the business to be taken. He would probably be consulting the wishes of the Conference by leaving that in Mr. Eitchie's hands. As far as he (Mr. Eoberts) understood, one of the subjects to be considered would be how far New Zealand could be declared clean in connection with scab, with a view to application being made to the other colonies that New Zealand be received as a clean colony. Then, there were other questions of interest, such as diseases in sheep and cattle, the destruction of rabbits, and other matters of vital importance to pastoralists, not only in New Zealand, but all over the world. Discussions on such subjects, and the consequent interchange of ideas, must of necessity be of value to them, and he hoped the result of their deliberations would be of substantial benefit to all the Australasian Colonies. Mr. Eitchie said that, owing to the short notice they had trad that the Conference was to be held here—only a fortnight or so—they had not prepared any programme. Arrangements had been made to have one or two papers read and discussed, which might now be put upon the list, together with any others which the delegates might wish. He thought the Conference could proceed to make up a programme. It would be necessary to arrange about the voting. Queensland and New South Wales were represented by one delegate each, Tasmania by two, and New Zealand by a much larger number. It would be manifestly unfair to the other colonies to allow each representative of New Zealand to exercise a vote of equal value to the votes of the other delegates. He suggested that the question of voting should be decided first, and that the Conference then discuss the order of business. Mr. Beuce thought that what they were there principally for was to consider the regulations regarding the introduction of foreign stock into the various colonies, and the interchange of stock by the several colonies. They had to look upon those matters as of the greatest importance. With regard to the papers to be dealt with, he would suggest that they be put in and printed, and afterwards considered. Voting-powee. Mr. Tabaet thought the most important matter at that stage was to settle the voting-power. New Zealand would be represented by several gentlemen, Tasmania by two, and New South Wales and Queensland by one each. Each colony must have the same voting-power. He suggested that each colony represented have three votes : that New Zealand should name its delegates to vote for the colony; and in the case of his own colony (Tasmania), that he should exercise one vote as Chief Inspector of Stock and another for stockowners, while Mr. Park would exercise the third as Veterinary Surgeon. In the case of New South Wales and Queensland, he would suggest that Mr. Bruce and Mr. Gordon have each three votes. That seemed to him to be the only way out of the difficulty. Proposed : " That each colony represented have three votes." —Agreed to. Proposed : " That the New Zealand delegates first record their votes for or against all proposals before the Conference, the decision come to to represent three votes ; New South Wales, represented by Chief Inspector of Stock, three votes ; Queensland, represented by Chief Inspector of Stock, three votes ; Tasmania, represented by Chief Inspector of Stock, two votes ; Tasmania, represented by Veterinary Surgeon, one vote." —Agreed to. Notices of Motion. Proposed : " That a notice of motion must be in the hands of the Chairman not later than the day preceding the proposed discussion thereof, unless the matter is considered urgent by the Conference." —Agreed to. Time allowed foe Discussion. Proposed : " That no member of the Conference be allowed to speak on any subject under discussion for more than ten minutes, but that such time may be extended five minutes or a still further period by the indulgence of the Conference. The mover of any motion shall have the right to reply." —Agreed to. Peogbamme. Proposed: " That the following be the subjects for discussion :— "1. Eegulations regarding the introduction of foreign animals. Foreign diseases—i.e., diseases not known in Australasia. " 2. Eegulations regarding the introduction of Australasian animals— " (a) By sea, " (b) By land