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2nd Day.] Reconstitution of the Colonial Office. [25 May, 1911. Sir JOSEPH WARD : That is a different point. I hope this proposed Committee will not be dropped. I look upon it as a step in the right direction, but I should, in principle, object to that Committee voting on any matter, because the whole essence of the proceedings of such a Committee would be unanimity of decision: otherwise one Dominion could refuse to act, and then the whole spirit of co-operation would disappear. Such a Committee, however, is what I want. Mr. FISHER : What about a record being made ? Sir JOSEPH WARD : I think they ought to have a record of their proceedings. Mr. FISHER : A record of all that has been said ? Sir JOSEPH WARD : I do not think that is necessary, but certainly a record of resolutions. Mr. FISHER : I do not want a record of what is said. Mr. HARCOURT : A record, if any, would be only minutes of the meetings. Sir JOSEPH WARD : I do hope we shall not abandon the setting up of such a Committee, because it is the only bridge we shall have between the Conferences. Mr. FISHER : Could we pass this matter by in the meantime, and try to draft some resolution in words which will meet the wishes of the Conference in the matter ? Sir JOSEPH WARD : I should be quite agreeable to that, of course, if Mr. Harcourt concurs. It is a matter which requires a little consideration, and I am ready to meet the suggestion which has been made, that we should postpone it until to-morrow. The PRESIDENT : To-morrow we are otherwise engaged, but it can be postponed until a later day. Sir JOSEPH WARD : Yes, I think that would be better. The PRESIDENT ; If you think there is any probability of agreement upon the subject. Mr. FISHER : It is only postponed for the purpose of drafting a proposal. We should not re-discuss it. Mr. PEARCE : Might I make the suggestion that the Secretary of State for the Colonies should put his proposals in print and let us see them ? The PRESIDENT : Yes, if you like we will circulate a memorandum. I think that a most reasonable suggestion. Mr. HARCOURT : Yes, I will do that, " That it is desirable that all matters relating to self-governing Dominions as well as permanent Secretariat of the Imperial Conference, be placed directly under the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom." The PRESIDENT : Before passing from the subject, I should like to say a word in regard to a proposal made on the Agenda Paper in the name of the Union of South Africa—that the matters relating to the self-governing Domin-