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provisional agreement; it will be subject to the ratification of the Cape Parliament at its session next year, and I bave no doubt whatever of being able to obtain that ratification, to such an agreement as we may be able to enter into.
Sir John Forrest.] I should like to say, sir, that the Colony I represent, contributes its share on the basis of population-it is getting bigger every day-we are quite willing, at any rate I am quite willing, to continue the agreement. I should like to say, however, that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction expressed that the ships do not come to us often enough. We
pay our contribution regularly. We very seldom see the ships. They come to King George Sound on their way out, and that is counted a visit, and they come to King George's Sound, which is a good harbour, and stay there for weeks sometimes, but as for going up to Fremantle where the harbour is not so good, they very seldom do it, and if they do, anyone would suppose that war was waging because they stay about a day and away they go.
Mr. Goschen.] I was just looking to see. I have brought down the Admiral's letters in which he says that he had just been there, or that he was going to Western Australia.
Sir John Forrest.] I think he knows we are a little sore about it.
The Secretary of State.] Sir Edward Braddon has been obliged to leave. I I endorse just want to get on the notes the statement which he has left :-" "what Mr. Reid has said, and am confident that Tasmania will combine with other Colonies of Australasia in continuing her contribution towards the auxiliary squadron. At the same time I would impress upon the Admiralty the urgent necessity for a survey of the west coast of Tasmania -a coast that, while unsurveyed, is a menace to vessels of all classes that pass it."
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Mr. Seddon.] I would move that the statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the Australasian-——
Mr. Goschen.] Not Chancellor of the Exchequer !
Sir George Turner.] The First Lord of the Admiralty would very often like to be Chancellor of the Exchequer at the same time, I think.
Mr. Seddon.] That the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty with reference to the Australian squadron is most satisfactory, and the Premiers of Australasia favour the continuance of the Australian squadron under the terms of the existing agreement."
The Secretary of State.] It has been moved and seconded-it only applies to the Australasian Premiers those in favour say " Aye.”
Mr. Kingston.] I do not propose to vote for that at present. I shall prefer to consider the alternative proposition of our naval authorities more fully. I understand that Mr. Goschen will kindly furnish us with more information in regard to it.
(At this stage Mr. Goschen and Admiral Sir Frederick Richards retired.)}
The Secretary of State.] Well, I think that closes that matter. Then I shall propose that in the official statement of our proceedings which we have at the present time agreed should only contain my opening speech and the resolutions arrived at. I now propose to add Mr. Goschen's speech which is one of some importance, and which will correct no doubt some misappre- hensions which have arisen. I have still a matter of some importance to discuss with the Australian Premiers, two matters in fact. The question of the Solomon Islands and the New Hebrides. I have also the question of investments-trust investments-I do not know whether Canada and the Cape take any interest in those questions.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] Not at all.
Mr. Escombe.] Investment by trustees.
The Secretary of State.] Yes.
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Mr. Escombe.] Yes, we take an interest in that.
The Secretary of State.] Unless that is so I think that really concludes all our general work, does it not? I am not aware of any other question which has been alluded to which we need discuss as a whole, and if that is the case all I desire to say in concluding this Conference, is that on behalf of the Government I thank you, gentlemen, very much for your kindness in attending, for the freedom with which your have expressed your opinions, and although I admit that I regret that we are unable to conclude that any immediate change can be made which would draw our relations closer than they are at present still I think that good will result from the interchange of views which has taken place, and I think that we are paving the way at all events to a still better state of things.
COMPLIMENTARY OBSERVATIONS.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] I am sure I can reciprocate the statement which you have expressed, and we have paved the way I fancy for future action which at some time or other must be faced and must be resolutely met and deter- mined upon.
Before we separate, however, I am conveying, I am sure, the sentiments of all the Premiers assembled in offering you the thanks of them all for the very kind treatment which we have received at your hands, and the hands of the Imperial authorities generally, and I would not be satisfied if we were not to be allowed to put our sentiments in this matter in the shape of a resolution, and if permitted I will move a resolution as soon as I have had time to draft it.
Mr. Escombe.] Mr. Chamberlain, I have been asked, as the junior member of the Prime Ministers present, representing the smallest Colony of the Empire, to second the suggestion which has been made, and in doing so I venture on behalf of the small Colony I represent. to join my thanks with those expressed by the Prime Minister of Canada, for the consideration with which Her Majesty's Government have met the Prime Ministers of the Colonies generally. There can be no doubt whatever the movement in the direction of confederation must necessarily be a slow one, and a move to be taken step by step, but I feel as if a great step forward had been taken in the course of the past three weeks, if only in showing that Her Majesty's Government have confidence in the self-governing Colonies; and that evidence of confidence in the self-governing Colonies will foster a disposition on the part of those Colonies to act more than ever in co-operation with Her Majesty's Government in making the Colonies worthy of the great Empire to which they belong.
Mr. Seddon.] I may say that I should cordially support this motion, and I think not only those here assembled, but the Empire is indebted very much to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for bringing together this Conference, and for having put before us and before the world what has been under consideration.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier.] The motion will be in these terms: "The Premiers, "before they separate, beg to put on record their appreciation of the many ** courtesies which they have received at the hands of Mr. Chamberlain personally, and of the kind treatment which has been extended to them by "the Government and people of the United Kingdom."
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The resolution was put to the Conference and unanimously adopted. Mr. Seddon.] If you remember, Mr. Chamberlain, there were three points: mentioned on the first day, and on one point we adjourned the discussion.
The Secretary of State.] Is this an Australian question?
COMMERCIAL. Relations,
Mr. Seddon.] It is for the whole of us to consider. It was with reference-- I think you had a notice on the minutes in respect to the inquiry by way of Commission as to the condition of the trade between the mother country and
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