Correspondence

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 34, 6 September 1892, Page 2

Correspondence

« rWe are not responsible for the opinions of our correspondents.] FEDERATION V. PROTECTION. TO THE JiDITOK OF THE STAH. Sik, — The attempt made by the Australian colonies to federate some time back if it had not been lamentable would have been amusing. Delegates were appointed and a conference held with the view of federating, but the results of that conference, since complicated by the Kanaka labor question, etc., have* been the means of dividing those colonies more hopelessly than ever. It seems to me from the views expressed by Victorian delegates, while that conference lasted, and also from events which have taken place since, that Victoria was willing to federate except as to fiscal matters, and provided she could cling to her pet scheme of Protection against all countries outside ot her borders. Now, if this was the case, then it either shows blind prejudice or gross ignorance on the part of her representatives, it being impossible to federate unless there is a free exchange of commodities between neighbours. The Victorians might as well have invited the delegates to a social feast, and when preparations were made, and the different viands ready, a scale of charges upon different dishes imposed while some of the viands would be marked prohibited to guests. The United States of America undera Republican Government has become one of the most rabid protectionist countries in existence, but if any combination of men proposed that one State should adopt Protection against its neighbours in that country it would be thought that those persons had taken leave of their senses. Your correspondent, Mr Deverell, in one of his letters in Defence of Protection, alludes to the downfall of Victoria as to her finances and condition of her people. In writing in favour of Protection Mr Deverell would have shown more prudence by leaving that part of the subject alone. Victoria has a more limited land area and compactness than her neighbouring continental colonies, and if Protection had a chance of success anywhere Victoria is a colony adapted for the experiment. Well, Victoria made Protection her pet scheme, that scheme which was to keep her finances in order and a policy of future prosperity and progress. But, alas, the result has proved a complete failure. "With a million and a half deficit she has placed herself on the horns of a dilemma. If she imposes heavier protective duties then she only aggravates her position and farther checks trade and the blessings derived therefrom. The rabid protectionist, however, will not have it that Protection had anything to do with the deficit, but blames the land boom, but that boom, as a sole cause, was hardly sufficient, although no doubt it was a swindle on a large scale, namely extorting money from the general public to enrich the few. Protection, although sanctioned by acts of Parliament, tends to the very same result, but deludes the public by working by degrees or installments. Victoria would be benefited in the long run if she made her ports free to outsiders with the object of providing healthy employment and food to a number of her half-starved population, even if some of her sickly industries collapsed in so doing. There is no doubt a difficulty in this, but herein is part of the curse of Protection when once started, Unless Victoria makes a movement in this direction, however, her representatives will not be in a fit mood to discuss the practicability and advisability of Federation. I am, etc., A Colonist.