A.—7

3

(h.) Motion : " That in view of the application of the coasting Government of New Zealaws of the United States and of other nations, the time land, has arrived for negotiations to be opened with a view to removal or modification of restrictions on British trade, failing which the Imperial Government should take steps to protect the trade of the Empire by passing a law declaring that the colonies and dependencies shall come within similar coasting laws." 4. Naturalisation ... ... ... ... ... ... Government of Cape and Government of Natal. 5. Settlement of South Africa ... ... ... ... Government of New ZeaMotion: "That in arranging for the administration of that land, portion of the Empire known formerly as the South African Eepublic and the Orange Free State provision should be made that duly qualified members of the learned and skilled professions now admitted and hereafter to be admitted to practise in the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, and in New Zealand, be allowed to practice within the newly acquired territories referred to." 6. Islands of the Pacific, Eelations of the Commonwealth and New Secretary of State for the Zealand with. Colonies.

SUMMAEY OE RESOLUTIONS AND RESULTS.

Political relations. Resolution, —" That it would be to the advantage of the Empire if Conferences were held, as far as practicable, at intervals not exceeding four years, at which questions of common interest affecting the relations of the Mother-country and His Majesty's dominions over the seas could be discussed and considered as between the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Prime Ministers of the self-governing colonies. The Secretary of State for the Colonies is requested to arrange for such Conferences after communication with the Prime Ministers of the respective colonies. In case of any emergency arising upon which a special Conference may have been deemed necessary, the next ordinary Conference to be held not sooner than three years thereafter." Communication prior to treaties. Resolution, —"That so far as may be consistent with the confidential negotiation of treaties with Foreign Powers, the views of the colonies affected should be obtained in order that they may be in a better position to give adhesion to such treaties." Naval defence. Contribution of Australia increased to £200,000 a year towards the cost of an improved Australasian Squadron and the establishment of a branch of the Eoyal Naval Eeserve. Contribution of New Zealand increased to £40,000 a year towards an improved Australasian Squadron and the establishment of a branch of the Eoyal Naval Eeserve. Contribution of Cape Colony increased to £50,000 per annum towards the general maintenance of the navy. Natal to contribute £35,000 per annum towards the general maintenance of the navy. Newfoundland to contribute £3,000 per annum (and a capital sum of £1,000 for fitting up and preparing a drill-ship) towards the maintenance of a branch of the Eoyal Naval Eeserve of not less than 600 men. Discussion to be continued by correspondence. Military defence. Commissions in the Aemy and Cadbtships in the Navy.— Resolution, —" That the Prime Ministers of self-governing colonies suggest that the question of the allotment of the naval and military cadets to the dominions beyond the seas be taken into consideration by the Naval and Military authorities, with a view to increasing the number of commissions to be offered ; that, consistent with insuring suitable candidates, as far as practicable, greater facilities than now obtain should be given to enable young colonists to enter the navy and the army." Preferential trade. Resolution, —" (1.) That this Conference recognises that the principle of preferential trade between the United Kingdom and His Majesty's dominions beyond the seas would stimulate and facilitate mutual commercial intercourse, and would, by promoting the development of the resources and industries of the several parts, strengthen the Empire. (2.) That this Conference recognises that in the present circumstances of the colonies it is not practicable to adopt a general system of free-trade as between the Mother-country and the British dominions beyond the seas. (3.) That with a visw, however, to promoting the increase of trade within the Empire it is desirable that those colonies which have not already adopted such a policy should, as far as their