81

A.—s

Sir WILFRID LAURIER : Yes. We have adopted it in substance, and that is great progress; but before it is sent to the Press I would like to have the opportunity of considering it. CHAIRMAN : Would the words " self-governing communities of the Empire " do ? Sir WILFRID LAURIER : Perhaps they would; but I would like to consider the suggestion. It is worth taking twenty-four hours over it. I talked it over yesterday with a friend, and we agreed that we have passed the state when the term " Colony " could be applied to Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. I would like to have suggested the word " State," but for the fact that in Australia they call states what we call provinces, and it might lead to confusion. Perhaps one of us can make a better suggestion. I would rather sleep upon it, unless somebody else has any other suggestion to make to-day. Mr. DEAKIN : Would this term do : " British Dominions possessing responsible government " ! Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I would prefer " self-governing dominions beyond the seas." Sir JOSEPH WARD : I am agreeable to that. Mr. DEAKIN : We need not add " beyond the seas." " Self-governing Dominions " wilJ do. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : If you designate all those countries that have been known up to the present time as self-governing Colonies " selfgoverning Dominions," we can then give out to the public that henceforth these are " self-governing Dominions," but I would like to have a single apt word which may be taken to mean " self-governing Colonies." Mr. DEAKIN : We recognise that the " Dominion " is the senior of the " Commonwealth," and, therefore, the name " Dominion " has a claim. Again, we recognise that in His Majesty's official title the word " Dominion " is used where the word " Commonwealth " is not. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : " Dominion " is a general term which covers many words which it is not possible to define otherwise. Mr. F. R. MOOR : Can we have the words of the resolution read as now settled? Sir JOSEPH WARD : As long as it is understood that New Zealand is a Dominion, I do not object to the word " Dominion." We ourselves understand New Zealand is a Dominion, but I would like it understood that our country is covered by that term here. CHAIRMAN : Shall I read the resolution through? Sir WILFRID LAURIER : For my part I would like to see it before me. The only reason why it is suggested we should finally close the discussion to-day is simply in order to give it to the Press. 12—A. 5.

Third Day. IS April 1907.

Future Constitution ok THE < 'INHERENCE.