171

A.—4.

2 June, 1911.] International Exhibitions. [4tlh Day. Sir D. de VILLIERS GRAAFF : This is all right. Mr. BATCHELOR : You say here. "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." What precisely does that mean? Does it mean you want to do it to-day ? Mr. BUXTON : No, not to-day, but that we should pass this Resolution, and then we consider the best method of putting forward our views. That might be done, T think, between us by correspondence. CHAIRMAN : The imperial Government, might find out the views of the Dominions on this matter, and then represent the Dominions as well as themselves at the Conference which is to take place. Mr. BUXTON : We can formulate the views which we hold, which probably will meet the views of the various Dominions, and then we can circulate those to them. Probably that would be the best way of doing it. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : The object to be attained would be simply to restrain the number of exhibitions which are held at the present day. I suppose the Dominions would expect to be represented at that Conference, to give their views and arrive at a general uniform system to be adopted by all nations. CHAIRMAN : There would be no difficulty in arranging for representation of all the Dominions who wished it. Sir JOSEPH WARD : What I wanted to ask Mr. Buxton was this : Does this suggest that in an individual country it should apply to local exhibitions ? For instance, there is one great city in Sir Wilfrid Laurier's country where they have an exhibition yearly. CHAIRMAN : This matter refers to international exhibitions. Mr. BUXTON : It refers to international exhibitions like the Brussels and Rome Exhibitions, and your own in 1916, Sir Wilfrid. Mr. BRODEUR : This relates only to international exhibitions. Sir JOSEPH WARD : Then I agree with the proposal. Mr. BATCHELOR : We certainly will support that resolution heartily. I think there is very great need not only to limit exhibitions, but to have classification of exhibitions. At present one never knows when applications are received for Government support of particular exhibitions whether they are sufficiently international in. "their character to justify giving support. It is very important to have classification. I think there is no difficulty about arranging for representation at the Conference. CHAIRMAN : May I assume that the Conference agreed to this resolution ? [Agkeeb.] Adjourned to Thursday next at 11 o'clock.