FEDERATION COMMISSION

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 February 1901, Page 3

FEDERATION COMMISSION

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.)

Dunrdin, February 14,

John B. Shaddock, rango maker and general iron foundry business, favoured | federation because it would bo for the good of the colony as a whole. So far as his own business was concerned he believed that the market would bo enlarged The conditions being equal, he could compete with Australia. He thought that tho general prosperity, not the Arbitration Court, was responsible for higher wages. Joseph Sparrow, general engineer, had dono work for New South Wales, but could not compete with Victoria and its duty in the iron trade. Tho conditions of labor were not very different in New Zealand and Australia. Fredorick Mallard, insurance expert, could not conceivo of any gain to tho colony by federation. Mark Cohen, journalist, whilo declining to definitely commit himself at present, favoured federation. Ho was convinced as a result of careful enquiry, that Australia would not agree in any sense with a reciprocal treaty with New Zealand. He was convinced that New Zealand would be admitted a 3 if in original state, M. J. Scobio MacKenzie said that the proposed federation was taking away the right of self-government from New Zealand. He had never encountered one

single reason why Now Zealand should federate with Australia. The loss of the right of self-government was too big a thing to bo weighed in tho balanco with oats, manufactures or anything else.

Tho Commission expect to conclude in Dunedin to-morrow night.