617

A.—s

met. In 1887, it is true, we had a great mass of material laid before us, because that was the first of all the Conferences, but a good deal came too late even then to be of much use. I regret to say the circumstances under which these sittings have been held have prevented me from making anything like the use I ought to have made, and would have been glad to have made, of the information supplied. If I may venture to look forward to future Conferences, in the interest of those who attend them, I think all here will advise that it is highly desirable that this information should be in their hands, or as much of it as can be, before they leave their homes, so that they may have an opportunity on the journey here, or, if possible, before that, of discussing them with their colleagues, in order that they may do justice to that information, take fud advantage of all that it offers, and prove their appreciation of it. CHAIRMAN : The difficulty we have here is to know what the subjects are sometimes. This may, to some extent, meet it, but hitherto we did not know until a very "fate date what subjects were to be brought up. Another thing —and I meant to have brought it up at the Conference —is the difficulty of fixing the actual date. That postpones final arrangements very much, because we want the figures up to the latest possible date. I wish even now before you separate you could indicate in some way or consider among yourselves what sort of date in the year would be the most convenient for these Conferences. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : It is difficult to agree, because the antipodes and the other regions vary so greatly in regard to the time when Parliaments meet. Mr. DEAKIN : It is rather difficult, but I think we are all becoming converts to the conviction that we ought not to meet at a time when social obligations are numerous. I think we would also agree that we ought not to meet when the Imperial Parliament is sitting. To do so imposes an unfair strain on Ministers of departments, and, moreover, prejudices to some extent our proceedings here. Do what we will, or say what we will, we are interpreted as if we had some relation to political proceedings in this country. In addition to that the comments in the House of Commons and House of Lords here suggest that the proceedings of the Conference are being watched with somewhat similar ideas. It would be much better for both of us that when any future Conference is held here it should be at a time when Parliament is not sitting, when Ministers are disengaged, when departments are free, and social obligations are not enforced. CHAIRMAN : It is rather difficult to say when Parliament will not be sitting, and as to saying when a Minister is disengaged, I decline altogether. Mr. DEAKIN : All Ministers are in the same position; it is with the greatest difficulty one can tear oneself away from one's responsibilities. When any criticisms of mine of the Colonial Office are being read it should be remembered that I have admitted how precisely the same criticisms apply not only to our own departments, but to ourselves as politicians. We are just as absorbed in our own affairs on that side of the world as you here are in yours. The great bulk of our affairs do not interest or attract you, and will not be brought before you, just as the great bulk of your affairs in this country have but a secondary interest for us. Our large common ground is admitted, but it is because we become so absorbed in local matters which have but a general

Fifteenth Day. 14 May 1907.

Interchange of Permanent Staff. (Mr. Deakin.)

79—A. 5.