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-2 June, 1011.] Commercial Relations and British Shipping. [4-th Day. Mr. BUXTON— cont. ference have been in communication with several of the Governments concerned with a view to doing what Sir Wilfrid Laurier has desired, and which, as he knows quite well, and as he has pointed out, is already done when any new treaties are negotiated ? So that our sympathy at all events is there, but before accepting the resolution I feel sure that you would like Sir E. Grey to have the opportunity, as I think I should like myself to have the opportunity, of considering the terms. May I add with regard to this resolution that, as far as the wording of it is concerned, I have no objection to it. Mr. Pearce raised a particular point, and he gave the reasons for that particular point being accepted. I thought it well on behalf of the Board of Trade to give the reasons to the Conference why we were unable to agree with the Commonwealth Government upon that particular point. As regards the general principle, I do not think there is any difference between us. Sir D. m VILLIERS GRAAFF : I was going to say that the resolution under discussion does not say anything about treaties at all. It is true that as the argument has been used in connection with this resolution there seemed to be treaty obligations which interfered with the passage of a certain Bill, but the resolution as to British manufactured goods and the British shipping should be supported as far as practicable. There are two other matters appertaining to the same subject of shipping and British manufactured goods. I think it would be advisable if we could discuss those two questions together. It would save a lot of time because they are all appertaining to the same subject. If that is agreed, we could fix one day for the discussion of the three resolutions together outside the treaties resolution. I believe, myself, that the treaties resolution will find favour here, but for the moment it really has nothing to do with shipping or British manufactured goods. It is altogether a different question. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : Australia by passing - such a resolution would not be more advanced than it is at the present time, because there is a treaty against it. We are told : "We cannot help you because there is a treaty against this." That is a question which has to be discussed and removed at the present moment. Sir D. be VILLIERS GRAAFF : When it comes to the question of assisting British manufactured goods and British bottoms we have something to say upon that which would probably alter the complexion of the treaty arrangements when you have heard what we have to say upon it. The CHAIRMAN : If it is agreeable to the Conference shall we postpone the further discussion of Resolution 2. and I suppose Resolution 3 as to navigation law ? Mr. FISHER : That has nothing to do with No. 2. Mr. PEARCE : There is another point upon No. 3. The CHAIRMAN : We will adjourn Resolution 2 until Friday the 16th. Sir D. de VILLIERS GRAAFF : You are not pressing your motion to-day, Mr. Fisher ? Mr. FISHER : No. The CHAIRMAN : Will Mr. Fisher go on with No. 3 ? Mr. FISHER : I only formally move No. 3 and ask Mr. Pearce to speak upon it.

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