177

A.—s

Mr. BURNS: Yes; it has been the settled policy of Parliament for some years. Mr. DEAKIN : Not in connection with the subsidising of ships. Mr. BURNS : But, in connection with emigration, not to grant votes of Imperial money for emigration. Mr. F. R. MOOR : But as regards South Africa, owing to the practice of the Colony as regards our contracts, we have been able to obtain contracts highly advantageous in respect of emigration. I have no doubt Canada and Australia, if not already doing it, could use co-operative influences there which, although not directly State-aided, would, by means of State work, be brought about, I think it is a pity to simply put down an arbitrary condition and say, we are going to have nothing to say to it, Mr. DEAKIN : What I think Mr. Moor means, and very properly, is what we call a postal subsidy. That assists emigration and trade because it encourages the rapid despatch of boats. So, while it is not put forward in Great Britain for the assistance of either trade or emigration, a postal contract, as a matter of fact, does help both. Why should not that be systematised more ? Sir WILFRID LAURIER : Mr. Moor has brought it up, but it is a much more involved question and embraces much more than emigration. I think with Mr. Moor that it is a matter which ought to be taken up by itself before the Conference separates. I would not limit it simply to emigration. There are many other considerations to be taken into account, and I am quite with Mr. Moor on this point, that this is one of the things we should discuss before we separate. CHAIRMAN : As far as emigration rs concerned, what is put in the second part of this resolution, is a request to co-operate generally, and that 1 we are willing to accept. May I put it that this resolution from the Commonwealth is accepted by the Conference! Sir WILFRID LAURIER : The only objection I have to it is that it is too vague. • Mr. F. R. MOOR : That is my feeling. Mr. DEAKIN : I have given the reasons for the vagueness. CHAIRMAN : Is it accepted? Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I have no objection. Mr. F. R. MOOR : I must say I anr disappointed as regards its present wording. It is very indefinite. If we could specify how this could be done I think it would be of more practical importance to us in the future. Sir JOSEPH WARD : I do not know what your method of working is. I take it we would still go on through our High Commissioner with the object of inducing people to come out to our country. For instance, with the great powerful and attractive Dominion of Canada, which is so close to England and has such splendid advantages, with their great organisation that they

24—A. 5.

Sixth Day. 25 April 1907.

Emigration.

Resolution IV., p. vi.