B? Elbotbio Tbleobath— Coptbiqht. [Bbgtbb’s Aotno?]. [Received April 16, 4.30 p.m.] London, April 15. The Imperial Conference resumed to-day, when the following subjects were under discussion:—(l) Empower ing trustees to invest in Colonial Go vernment securities. There may possibly be legislation for the removal of the present difficulty. Sir Francis Dillon Bell submitted a memorandum on this subject which was generally approved of, but which was reserved for further consideration. (2) Sir F. D, Bell introduced the question of the wills of colonists* With regard to this

matter Sir Henry Holland stated that, the Treasury agreed to an amendment |' in the Colonial Eegistration Act roller ing shares on colonial registers from payment of English probate duty. (3) stamp duties on the transfer of colonial ' stocks. Nothing however was de cided upon. (4} The delegates dis cussed the desire which bad been ex pressed by colonial Governments that unclaimed dividends on colonial stocks be treated in the same manner as un claimed dividends on consols. Steps will be taken to remedy this difficulty. (5). In the amendment of marriage laws it is unlikely anything will be done until an English Act is passed. The Conference adjourned till Saturday next. (Special to Press Association.) London, April 15. The Imperial Conference has resumed its sittings. Sir Henry Holland intimated that the Lord Chancellor held that there was a diffi culty in the way of authorising trustees to invest 'in colonial inscribed stock. The Imperial Government had no power to limit the borrowing of the colonies or to sue the colonies in default of dividends. The delegates were unanimous that the colonies would not consent to allow their borrowing powers to be controlled, but they might possibly concede the right to sue for dividends. Sir P. D. Bell asked for the abolition of stamp duty on inscribed stock, but an answer was given to the effect that it was unlikely this would be granted at present, but it was probable that a concession in the direc tion named might be made after ten years. Meanwhile the duty would be placed in a suspense account, the colo nies receiving interest; Mr Downer proposed that children born in the colonies of marriages with deceased wives’ sisters should be legitimised in England. Sir Henry Holland thought it was unlikely this would be conceded until such marriages were legislised in England. 