586

A—s

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : Yes. Sir JOSEPH WARD : " Subject, to the cost being approved by the respective Governments." Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : Yes, that is all we want really. We want to be allowed to examine into the cost of the thing. Sir JOSEPH WARD : My idea is you will never ascertain the cost until you make up your mind what you want first, and then invite offers for it, and examine the offers by your experts. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : That resolution binds us to the route via New Zealand. The present route is to Brisbane. Ido not know what my Prime Minister thinks. Mr. DEAKIN : I do not think it does bind us. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : I think it does. If we pass a resolution and agree to it that it shall be one route and one route only, and that route via New Zealand, it might place Australia in an awkward position. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I will put it this way : " That, to this end " it is advisable that Great Britain should be connected with Canada, and "through Canada with Australia and New Zealand by the best service " available within reasonable cost." Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : Yes. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I say " for the purpose of carrying the " above project into effect such financial support as may be necessary should " be contributed by Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, in " equitable proportions." Sir WILLIAM LYNE : Then that does not fix the route. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : It fixes the route. Mr. DEAKIN : Not on our side. That is what Sir William is talking about. CHAIRMAN : I will read the resolution again : ' That in the opinion " of this Conference the interests of the Empire demanded that, in so far as " practicable, its different portions should be connected by the best possible " means of mail communication, travel, and transportation, and that to this " end it is advisable that Great Britain should be connected with Canada, " and through Canada with Australia and New Zealand by the best service "available within reasonable cost; that for the purpose of carrying the " above project into effect such financial support as may be necessary should " be contributed by Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in " equitable proportions." Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : We accept that. CHAIRMAN : Is that accepted by the Conference 'i The resolution was agreed to.

Fifteenth Day. 14 May 1907.

Mail Service to Australia and New Zealand via Canada.

Resolution XX., p. x.