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Greymouth Evening Star, 3 January 1901, Page 2

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\TION.—COPYRIGHT. ) December 31. states that the members represented promises a strong cabinet. _ says the politico,! policy to do with the selection of a but ‘political luck 'protectionists. Hi issue is to bo as any was, and'free-traders of must now be got ■hejray. Honors. Sydney,' December 31. HConnor (N.S.W.)_ and Lewis arc to be sworn in as honorHcrs of tho Federal Cabinet, Vice-President, Lewis a Hdbe Executive Council. , -Htmclor the ;Vl*^S!r of the fVV’i Comi **s V* ! f- ,J 1 £-’^kn.

The fact of working out our own das tiny will in no way interfere with or endanger the continuance of that good feeling, In the face of the Royal Commission on Federation just appointed in New Zealand, I do not deem it advisable to intrude my opinion. I might give an opinion now from what I have _ seen and heard, and when the Commission makes a report they might prove my .deductions all wrong.

One thing is necessary above all others and that is to get a closer connection between Australia and New Zealand by reducing the distance. Wo must get faster vessels. When we secure vessels of the Lucania or Campania class, more especially during the summer months which would perhaps mean passengers would then only be two nights on shipboard, and the voyage across would bo little more than a pleasure' trip. When that time comes there will bo an interchange of people’s astounding and astonishing. There may yet be a Commonwealh and New Zealand Federal Steam Service. I would not hesitate to enter the partnership to-morrow for that purpose and am satisfied there will bo no reprisals as far as New Zealand is concerned.

The Ministry are all friendly and there need bo no anxiety whatever on that point. lam convinced that as far as New Zealand is concerned there is no necessity for alarm or anxiety, and certainly the good feeling now existing, which is universal would prevent anything being done which would be especially injurious to our colony, *• Australia has had enough of border traffic wars, and l am sure she will not have any more of that sort of thing. Regarding Seddon’s suggestion that the Commonwealth and Now Zealand might enter with an arrangement for a faster steamship service. Barton observes that Seddon’s ideas aro entirely acceptable to the federal Government. Ho has not the slightest doubt that private enterprise will provide all the service that is necessary.