49C
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
·「?། ། ‛།:། ། mmimmim C.O. 885
6
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
POLITICAL RELATIONS.
110
I have no doubt that, as in the past, we shall be equal to the occasion. We have contributed eleven millions, which no other Colony can say it has done, for Imperial purposes, when we defended ourselves and our Colonies we found the whole of the money-the eleven millions.
Mr. Reid.] You found the money but you also were the osuse of the whole of it.
Mr. Seddon.] It does not matter what was the cause of it. The Imperial troops came over, and the whole cost of them was borne by New Zealand. We are paying 400,0001. a year, the interest on that money. I say that when the responsibility comes we shall be prepared to meet it, but to say that we shall go on as we are now simply means that all the good work up to this stage will be lost unless we go further, and whichever way in working out the details you go, that is a matter amongst us that, I think, you ought to take into consideration. I know that that is not the position in Australia to-day. They say, at the present time, that they must wait until they have fixed up this question of federation. We have already, as far as New Zealand is concerned, and New Zealand wants something more than they do at the present time.
Sir George Turner.] What is the use of passing abstract resolutions unless we have some definite scheme?
Mr. Seddon.] Well, you passed abstract resolutions respecting federation. You passed that first. You started with bald resolutions, that federation was in the interest of the Colonies while the Colonies were there by their representatives. That is what you did. Then you went into conventions and you are now working out the details. I simply say affirm the principle, and if you do that you will do more.
Sir E. N. C. Braddon.] We did more than pass bald resolutions.
Mr. Kingston.] Oh, yes.
Sir E. N. C. Braddon.] We passed resolutions, and in conformity with those resolutions we adopted a federal scheme.
Sir George Turner.] A whole scheme?
Sir B. N. C. Braddon.] You are alluding to the second conference.
Mr. Seddon.] No, I am referring to the first.
Sir George Turner.] Nothing ever came of the first conference. Abstract dead resolutions were passed, but no scheme was brought forward by which it could be worked.
Sir E. N. C. Braddon.] As to the present question, I am not by any means in accord with my colleagues in Australia. I should like, with Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mr. Seddon, to see some actual move made in the direction of those closer relations that we are told by Mr. Reid we are unanimous in desiring to see secured.
Mr. Reid.] Ties of affection, that is, a closer relation. We are all relations. Sir E. N. C. Braddon.] A closer union-a closer political union.
The Secretary of State.] I think we understand the distinction.
Sir E. N. C. Braddon.] I have always been in favour of federation, in fact, I am an Imperial Federationalist, and I do not retract in the slightest degree from any position which I have taken on the subject. I admit the difficulties of doing this. I admit that we are not prepared at present in Australia to arrive at complete federation, because we are not prepared with that contribution which necessarily we should have to make if we assumed our share in Imperial legislation, but I think something might be agreed to here, and I hope we shall not part without agreeing to something to show that when we say we desire closer ties closer political ties-we really mean
111
what we say. I should like to say one word as to the treatment and con- sideration Agents-General receive from the Colonial Office. I speak with the experience of an Agent-General for five years, and I say most positively, without hesitation or limitation, that I was always treated with the greatest possible courtesy and consideration. I always received every information, every sort of information that I sought from the Colonial Office, and every other assistance in doing what I had to do through this Office for the benefit of the Colony. Even in the matter of appointing the last, i.e., the
present Governor.
Mr. Reid.] Our Agent-General has represented the Colony for 15 years, and he has always spoken in the same sense, that he has been received with the utmost courtesy and attention at all times.
Mr. Kingston.] There is no suggestion of discourtesy. Mr. Reid.] Oh, no.
Mr. Kingston.] I think more consideration might be given and more confidence exhibited in the communications to the Agents-General.
Mr. Reid.] I know the Governors are a little sore at present as to the position of the Agents-General-that they hear of things in a roundabout way, things that they have never heard of officially, and there is a soreness there, and that irritation will go on.
Mr. Kingston.] I wish to say, Mr. Chamberlain, that I favour periodical gatherings, that is, such as this we are at present engaged in, for the dis- cussion of matters of joint Imperial and Colonial concern. I think, however, we would be making a mistake in fixing the periods of these gatherings, at least, if this meeting were to attempt to do it. But it would not be a bad idea if there was an attempt made to fix the time and place of the next gathering, and I can assure you, sir, that if it were possible for you to visit Australia for the purpose of conferring with the Governments of the different Colonies, that the welcome you would receive would be of the heartiest description, and furthermore, the results, as flowing from a practical exhibition by the Colonial Office of their interest in Colonial affairs, would be of a character which would be most excellent, as they would undoubtedly assist in fostering that sentiment upon which the foundation of the Empire most properly resta.
The Secretary of State.] You are very kind to say so, Mr. Kingston-I firmly believe it. I am sure I should be most warmly and most hospitably received. I am afraid, however, I should have to resign my position as Colonial Secretary before I could carry out that programme, for I could not leave all the other Colonies and still hold office.
my
Mr. Kingston.] Is it never to be possible for a representative, a member of the Imperial Government, interested in Colonial affairs, to discuss in the Colonies with representatives of the Colony matters of Imperial and Colonial concern?
Mr. Seddon.] You might go so far as Canada.
The Secretary of State] Yes, I could get as far as Canada; but I could not get further. I am afraid I did consider the possibility of getting to the Cape. I should only have a very short time there I am afraid.
Sir Gordon Sprigg.] We should be very glad to see you, however short the time was.
The Secretary of State.] I think it will have to be after I have left my office.
Sir Gordon Sprigg.] Then it will be long, let us hope. I would say, in regard to these matters
The Secretary of State.] This is the suggestion: "The Prime Ministers now assembled are of opinion that the relations now existing between Great 04
POLITICAL
RELATIONS.