1918
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
No. 54

both branches of the Legislature. He crowned his public life by occupying with conspicuous success the position of Prime Minister of this colony.

To fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Pitt’s death, I summoned Dr. J. G. Findlay to the Legislative Council and appointed him Attorney-General and Colonial Secretary.

In the belief that a knowledge of the lands and harbours of the colony and its outlying islands is to some degree essential to a satisfactory discharge of the duties of His Majesty’s representative, I have during the recess made an extended tour throughout the colony, and visited the Snares, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, Antipodes, Bounty Islands, and Chatham Islands. The general result of these visits has been to further reveal to me not only the extraordinary natural resources and advantages of this country, but the unfailing and universal loyalty of its people to His Majesty the King.

The earthquake catastrophes which lately occurred at Valparaiso and Jamaica roused much sympathy in New Zealand, and at the request of my Advisers I sent messages to that effect on behalf of our Government and people. I regret to say that the earthquake at Jamaica claimed as one of its victims the late Right Honourable Sir James Ferguson, a former Governor of New Zealand.

The Council of Defence provided for by “The Defence Act Amendment Act, 1906,” has been set up, and my Advisers are of opinion that good results will follow from bringing the Volunteer officers into closer and more direct touch with Defence administration.

A squadron of H.I.M. the Emperor of Japan also visited New Zealand recently, and, it being the occasion of a visit of a squadron of our ally, the Admiral, his officers, and his men, were warmly welcomed, and treated with a kindness and hospitality worthy of our nation’s traditions.

The year has been marked by two important conferences which have been held in London.

At the Conference of Prime Ministers of the self-governing over-sea dominions New Zealand was represented by Sir Joseph Ward. A full report of the proceedings will be placed before you. I agree with my Advisers that, although much that was attempted remains unachieved, yet much was accomplished in the best interests of the Empire.

On the important question of fiscal preference, the Imperial Government were unable to accept the proposals of the over-sea representatives. The subject, however, was fully and clearly discussed, and my Advisers are of opinion that the result will be for good in clearing the air and removing many prejudices and misunderstandings that as yet cloud the issue.

In treating the other matters brought forward, the Home Government showed every desire to co-operate in measures to promote Imperial unity, and, in particular, promised to give full consideration to the suggestions of my Prime Minister in favour of cheapening postal and telegraph rates, reducing the Suez Canal dues, and quickening steam communication between the United Kingdom and the over-sea dominions.

Amongst the matters agreed upon at the Conference, not the least important was that in the making of Imperial treaties and conventions the self-governing dependencies directly affected shall be consulted. In accordance with this principle, the British Government invited the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth and New Zealand to nominate a British representative on an Anglo-French sub-convention then shortly to be held for the purpose of settling certain matters of detail under the existing New Hebrides Convention, and on the recommendation of my Prime Minister, the Solicitor-General of New Zealand, Dr. Fitchett, was appointed and acted.

The honours and attentions showered upon the visiting Prime Ministers give gratifying proof of the kindly feelings with which the over-sea dominions are regarded in the United Kingdom. In the case of Sir Joseph Ward, His Majesty caused him to be sworn in of his Privy Council; the Corporations of London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol admitted him to the freedom of their cities; and the Universities of Edinburgh and Dublin conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.