CHAP. TII] THE CONFERENCE OF 1911 1537
effectively prevented a congestion of labour. The matter
might be arranged between the High Commissioner and the
Labour Exchanges.
General Botha! was prepared to assist agriculturists, but
he did not think that the Labour Exchanges could be used
for this purpose.
Mr. Buxton then said that there was no intention on the
part of the Imperial Government to press the resolution on
the Conference if it were not generally acceptable. He had
put down the motion in order to initiate a discussion and to
show that the Home Government were willing to co-operate.
The idea was to secure that very selection to which reference
had been made, and this would be carried out if the Dominion
Governments co-operated with the Labour Exchanges. He
would withdraw his resolution, and the Board of Trade would
be ready to discuss the question with any of the Dominions
who thought that the Labour Exchanges could render
assistance.
(2) Postal and Telegraph Reforms
New Zealand as usual took the lead in proposals for postal
and telegraph reform, but Great Britain received a favourable
vote for the extension to Australia and the development
in Canada of the Imperial Postal Order system,? which was
highly praised by both South Africa and New Zealand.
Further cheapening of cable rates® was promised by the
Postmaster-General, who explained that deferred telegrams
in plain language would soon be sent over the system to
Australia at half rates, and also promised reductions in
press rates by pressure on the companies. He also ex-
plained that by means of the control of landing licences he
hoped to secure a control of telegraph rates, which would
enable him to regulate rates subject to decision in case of
disagreement by the Railway and Canal Commission. But
the Imperial Government could not accept the Australian
proposals either for a new Atlantic cable * or the purchase
of a land line across Canada; as against the cheerful
¢ Gd. 5745, p. 159. * Tbid., pp. 323-5.
Ibid., pp. 281-91. 4 Ibid., pp. 291-307.
