A.—6

45

Sir JOSEPH WARD : In reference to the resolution moved by New Zealand, which appears to have conveyed the impression, as I infer from some observations that have been made, that we wanted to have an Imperial Council of an executive character, or with some authority to act independently of the British Government or of our own Governments, I would just like to say that on receipt of the despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies asking what resolution the New Zealand Government desired to submit, I sent a memorandum to his Excellency the Governor without any resolutions at all. I gave him a heading of the subjects that New Zealand thought should come up here for consideration. My own view was that it was not desirable to submit resolutions from our Colony, and it was only on further application from the Governor, requesting that it should be sent in the form of a resolution, that I responded to it. I wanted to make that clear, because the resolution I submit is " That it would be to the advantage of the Empire, " and facilitate the dealing with questions that affect the Oversea Dominions, " if an Imperial Council were established to which each of the self-governing " Colonies could send a representative." I may say that in public utterances of mine in my own country I have made it clear that such a Council would be a Council of advice, and of advice only, and I have not suggested at any time in our country that we should be responsible for the creation of an Imperial Council which would have executive authority, because I am personally opposed to it. I believe it would be an impossibility for us to carry on satisfactorily our present system of self-government if any such body were created with any such authority, between our Government and the British Government. Ido not wish the impression to go abroad that I have proposed establishing anything of the kind, because I have not. In that respect I wish to say that the criticisms of the general views put forth in reference to the body that might be created in England, so far as I am concerned, really do not" apply, and I wish to add that the people in my country are not favourable to such a suggestion. CHAIRMAN : I think I put if hypothetical^. Sir JOSEPH WARD : That is so; but a hypothetical observation when seen in cold print might convey an impression that the colony itself was desirous of doing something which we are not desirous of doing, to which I am personally opposed, and to which I have never been favourable. Then, I do not quite understand, and I should like to have information upon it, what was conveyed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he asked the question " Will the Colonial Office provide for the continuity desired ?" CHAIRMAN : Will the Conference ask the Colonial Office to provide the continuity ? Sir JOSEPH WARD : Do you mean the expense ? CHAIRMAN : No. I mean that we should provide the organization. What I meant was that if the Conference approved we were prepared to prepare a scheme for providing the continuity which is aimed at in these resolutions. Sir JOSEPH WARD : As a permanency, do you mean ? CHAIRMAN : Yes, as a permanency.

Second Day. 17 April 190"

Proposed Imperial Council.