cap. 111] THE CONFERENCE OF 1911 1541
feeling in England on this topic, and pointed out that
interchange of coinage would be confusing, and would
also deprive each Dominion of its right to the profits on its
silver coinage.
(1) Shipping Conferences and Rebates
The discussion of this topic was very long and important,
but not of political consequence, as Mr. Buxton? at once
declared that the policy of the South Africa decision to
3xclude from the mail contract lines which gave rebates or
were members of a conference, and to penalize those lines in
matters of harbour dues, &c., was not one with which His
Majesty’s Government claimed the right to interfere. Sir
David de Villiers Graaff * made a very elaborate indictment
of the South African shipping ring, and Sir J. Ward?
sympathized, but differed from the general attack made by
Sir David on rebates, as rebates (not deferred rebates) were
essential to secure a cheap service of steamers with refrigera-
tion accommodation for New Zealand. Mr. Brodeur * com-
plained of an insurance ring against Canada, and Mr. Buxton
agreed to accept the resolution in the form, * that concerted
action be taken by all Governments of the Empire to promote
better trade and postal communications between Great
Britain and the overseas Dominions, and in particular to
discourage shipping conferences or combines for the control
of freight rates between the various portions of the Empire,
in so far as the operation of such conferences are prejudicial
to trade.” Mr. Buxton reminded the Conference that there
was much doubt as to the effect of such conferences, and he
had found no substantial support even for putting into effect
the very moderate recommendations of the Royal Commission
on Shipping Conferences.
* 0d. 5745, pp. 381-4.
' Ibid., pp. 372-81. * Thid., pp. 388-91.
' Ibid., pp. 384, 385. Mr, Pearce (pp. 386-8) also supported the motion,
and instanced what had been done in Australia under the Australian
Industries Preservation Act to break up the coastal combine.
