FEDERATION COMMISSION

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 22 February 1901, Page 3

FEDERATION COMMISSION

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

CnßisTCHnncii, February "21

John Scot; Meyers, farmer, did not think federation would pay. Asa grower of onions he did not think the trade would be ruined unless the colon}- joined federation and did not think small farmers gonerally would suffer. J. A. McCullough, tinsmith, representing the Trades and Labor Council, read a resolution passed by that body to tho effect that federation was desirable in the interests of tho workers.

James Young, bootmaker, coincided with the last witnoss.

A. E.G. Ehodes, barrister, thought that the producers of oats and roots would suffer if the colony stood out. Agriculturists genorally would also suffer as well as the milling industry. Walter Newton, upholsterer, thought that the loss of tho whole of the Australian trade would not aff-jct the colony much. His trade was strongly opposed to federation, as Sydney could produce furniture made by Chinese, who worked 70 hours a week for 255. Under federation thii colony would ba at the mcrc.v of tho Chinese. At present a good deal of this furnituro Cimo here, and under free trade the results would be simply disastrous. He was also opposed to federation politically. John Leo Scott, engineer, considered federation would ultimately bo for tho good of this colony. In his opinion N.Z. was destined to become a great manufacturing country. Sho had coal, minerals, and water power in abundance, while its labourers were superior ot those of Australia. Tho superior productive power per man would more than balance the difference in wages. It must benefit the colony to have such a large market as Australia. It would be selfish to refese to join, and the colony shou'd try to leaven the whole Commonwealth with better labour conditions. Australia was already following New Zealand's lead, and this colony wouid not bo dragged back. At a poorly attended meeting of farmers to-day, called by tho A. and P. Association to discuss federation, the following resolution was carried :—" That the various agricultural and pastoral assiciaI tions throughout Canterbury should bo

requested to convene meetings of the farmers with a view to discussing the question of federation and appointing delegates to attend a central meeting to bo held during March.