202
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TITTIC.O. 885
8
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
| COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
194
the island was the increased output or export of the sugar which belonged to this company, and I was saying that the only population that has increased in the island is the increase caused by the importation of coolies from India. However, I have evidently been mistaken as to the object of the Conference if the definition taken by the Secretary for the Colonios is the coreet one. I had thought that in any part of His Majesty's Dominions where the condition of things required special discussion upon them and ventilating that benefit might result therefrom not only to the particular locality, but to the Empire itself. As I have been mistaken in that respect I shall not in face of what the Secretary of State has said proceed further.
The SECRETARY OF STATE: I would only like for your information to say you are mistaken in saying that the nativo products have fallen off. On the contrary, copra, which is the one chief native product, has increased from 40,000%, value in 1875 to 151,000. value in the last year, 1900, which is the biggest amount it over sent. Sugar has increased in the same time, but not in the same proportion.
Ma SEDDON: May I ask you a question? What is the increase on fruit for the last 10 years?
The SECRETARY OF STATE: Fruit in 1890 was 28,0001. value; in 1898, 25,0001, value; in 1897, 16,000/, value, and in 1896, 18,000, so that in the last few years it has been an increase. Still, it is true, that these figuros wore a decrease from previous years. It has fallen very much; I will show you the figures.
•
Mr. SEDDON: As to the copra you are correct, Sir. As you have placed it on record. Mr. Chamberlain, about fruits produced in Fiji, I think Fought to say, that with regard to the value of the fruits, that in the year 1896, it was 57,0001; 1891, 61,000; 1892, 62,000 as against 25,0007. in 1898, 30,0001. in 1899, and 28,000), in 1900, showing that there has been a falling off in the three years ending 1900 as compared with the three years onding 1892 of nearly 100,0001.
THE METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. The SECRETARY OF STATE: The next motion is with regard to tho metrio system of weights and measures.
Sir WILLIAM MULOCK: Mr. Chamberlain, it is scarcely necessary, I presume, to argue the merits of the metric system itself. We have proof by the action of many of the commercial nations of the world that it is a desirable system. It is in force in many countries, and many other countries are preparing to adopt the system. It therefore seems a system adapted to be substituted for the old systems such as you have in the United Kingdom, and as we have in a modified degree in Canada. The real point of the motion is its intimation that the time is approaching when the system might with advantage be adopted within the Empire, both because it is a good system in itself, and because its adoption generally would facilitate Inter-Imperial trade. Different systems of weights and measures hamper trade. I think the United States have passed a Statute requiring the system to bo taught in all the schools in the United States, commencing in 1903, which I suppose may be taken as a step towards the legal adoption of the system. We have had the matter engaging the attention of the Canadian Government. I believe that it has also engaged your attention. The passage of such a resolution, therefore, would give a stimulus to the work of preparation which must precede the ultimate adoption of the system. If such a resolution, or a similar one, wore passed by this Conference it would have a great effect in directing the attention of all parts of the Empire towards the system, first leading to its being taught in the schools, and to its study by thie
}
195
business people, and then preparing the various parts of the Empire for the practical application of it. I beg to move the motion :-
14
16
..
4
That it is advisable to adopt the metric system of weights and moasures for uso within the Empire, and the Governments repre- sented at this Conference will recommend the samo to their respective Governments for adoption as soon as convonieut."
The SECRETARY OF STATE: I wish to say a word or two about the wording of the resolution. As it stands, owing to a slip perhaps, it is "the Governments representeil at this Conference will recommend to their respective Governments.' That is, the Governments will recommend to the Governments. Lassume what was meant was that the Governments represented will represent 10 their respective Parliaments. But is not that a little too strong? That is obliging everybody hero to recommend to their respective l'arliaments tho immediate adoption of this proposal. What I was going to suggest, in order that the mattor might be brought forward for discussion, and if it met with Sir William Mulock's approval, is that the words should run-
"That it is advisable to adopt the metric system of weights and
** measures for use within the Empire, and the Prime Ministors urge
(4
the Governments represented at this Conference to give consideration “to the question of its early adoption.”
Sir WILLIAM MULOCK: That will be entirely satisfactory.
The PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE: The saine system
Is already logal in this country. It is a subject taught in the elementary schools, and I think I am right, I would not be absolutely sure, in saying that it is a compulsory subject. As I understand Sir William Mulock's resolution it does not carry with it compulsion': it is only a suggestion that the way should be prepared, the road should be made smooth, for the more general adoption of the system throughout the Empire.
Sir WILLIAM MULOCK: That is so.
The SECRETARY OF STATE: If no one wishes to say anything on
the resolution, I will put it to the Conference.
The resolution was put to the Conference and unanimously carried.
Mr. PATERSON: That is the resolution as you have amended it.
The SECRETARY OF STATE: Yes.
PUBLICATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
The SECRETARY OF STATE: Thơn 1 think the only other question that
it is necessary to submit to the Conferenco is the question of the publication of the proceedings.. I would ask the various Prime Ministers to consider the question.
The Conference consulted in privato.
On resuming.
THE IMPERIAL RESERVE.
Mr. SEDDON: On the question of the Imperial Reserve I have written to Mr. Brodrick, the Secretary of State for War and I have informed him that, owing to the conditions which now exist, the New Zealand Government
Bb 2
2