The Feilding Star. THURSDAY. MAY 11. 1893. Australian Federation

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 138, 11 May 1893, Page 2

The Feilding Star. THURSDAY. MAY 11. 1893. Australian Federation

Out of the evil of the financial disasters in Australia good is likely to come. It appoars that Victoria has taken the initiative to have swept away the absurd and vexatious border barriers, which hare been so long established between New South Wales and Victoria, to the discomfort and vexation of both colonies, and especially to the settlers residing in the immediate vicinity of the borders. Sir George Dibbs, the Prouiier of New South Wales, has been invited to make overtures on the subject, a request to which it is hoped, and be lieved, he will accede. The only fault we have to find with the idea so far is that these two colonies which have been so long antagonistic in their respective fiscal policies — NewSouth Wales (freetrade), and Victoria (protection) —are expected to form a Customs Union with " protection against the world." Verily a big-sounding phrase. What it really may mean is that Now South Wales people are to adopt the ultra selfish protective policy which has proved so disastrous to trade and commerce in Victoria. But that, of course, is largely conjectural, because a happy medium may be struck which will operate beneficially to both colonies, and yet open their ports to the produce of the other colonies forming the Australasian group. In fact that is indicated in the telegram giving us the information, which says the other colonies would soon join and the movement would pave the way to Australian Federation.

Although we are in Opposition, we think that the Wanganui seat ought to be left to the Liberal party without a struggle. Of course we have only a vague idea ou the strength of the two parties, but it strikes us that in. 'the absence of Mr Carson, who has been ror some years the recognised Conservative candidate, Mr Willis, although for the Government, ought to be returned unopposed. No possible good end can be obtained by a contest, and a graceful tribute would be paid by the Wanganut electors to their late distinguished member it they allowed the sea: to be filled by his old friend Mr Willis. It has long been admitted, even by his opponents, that few men have done, or attempted to do, more for the substantial progress ot Wanganui than Mr Willis, and the compliment thus implied would be well placed. The appointment of two or more of the residents »t Bunnythorpe and Pemberton to the Com mission of the Peace has now become an absolute necessity, owing to the rapid increase of population at both places. It is a. great inconvenience, when the services of a Justice of the Peace are required, that people should have to travel either to Feilding or Palmerston to obtain them. There are several gentlemen both competent and eligible to undertake the responsibilities of the position in, or ne t ar, both centres ; and if proper representations were made to the Minister of Justice, through the member for the district, no doubt suitable appointments would be made.