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Mh Day.] Coinage and Weights and Measures. [2 June, 1911. CHAIRMAN : I do not know whether, in view of the discussion, Mr. Batchelor wishes to press the Resolution further. Mr. BATCHELOR : The Resolution does not ask that the Government shall take any action; and, really, in the form in which it is, it is not very much more than a pious hope. Sir I), de VILLIERS GRAAFF : Is it not a pity to pass the Resolution unless some action is to be taken ? Mr. BATCHELOR : I am prepared, after the discussion which has taken place, and the statement made by Mr. Buxton that it is quite impracticable in the United Kingdom to pass any such proposal, to let the Resolution be taken off the Notice Paper. International Exhibitions. " That in view of the International Conference to be held at Berlin in 1912, with a view to the regulation of the conditions under which International Exhibitions should receive support, it is desirable that the Imperial and Dominion Governments shall consider the matter in conjunction so as to arrange, if possible, for concerted action on this subject." Mr. BUXTON : The next question is International Exhibitions, and the Resolution here is as follows : " That in view of the International Conference to be held at Berlin in 1912, with a view to the regulation of the conditions under which international exhibitions should receive support, it is desirable that the Imperial and Dominion Governments should consider the matter in conjunction, so as to arrange, if possible, for concerted action upon this subject." There is this Conference at Berlin next year, and the points they are going to discuss are the practicability of classifying all exhibitions according to the auspices under which they are promoted, and their scope, with a view to the adoption of general principles which would prevent great exhibitions being held simultaneously. This involves the establishment of general regulations governing such matters as the classification of exhibitions, and so on, transport and the adoption of general principles relating to the anticipation of exhibitions being held abroad, consideration of means for suppressing fictitious exhibitions, and fictitious awards. I think that it is of very great advantage that there should be something in the nature of an International Agreement in reference to exhibitions. I think everybody admits that they are far too frequent; and what happens still more is that one exhibition, unless it is arranged beforehand in reference to others, really spoils another. I believe one of the chief objects which the German Government have in summoning the Conference is, as far as we are aware, to.see how far exhibitions might be limited in number and made more effective. We find over here that our manufacturers, merchants, and others are getting very shy of these exhibitions, because it is really a very great tax upon them; and if you have an exhibition at all it should be of material advantage both as an exhibition of goods used in commerce and also from the point of view of extending trade on all sides. So I hope the Dominions may agree with us that it would be well to be represented at this International Conference, and as far as possible obtain International uniformity. Mr. BATCHELOR : What do you propose to do—to ask the Conference to carry a Resolution affirming the desirability ? Mr. BUXTON : That is the Resolution I have down on the paper.