The Federal Commission.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 38, 14 February 1901, Page 2

The Federal Commission.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Dunedin, last night.

At the Federation Commission John B. Shacklock, range maker and proprietor of a general ironfoundry business, favored Federation because it would be for the good of the c.olony as a whole. So far as his own business was concerned 1 he believed the market would be enlarged. Conditions being equal, he could compete with Australia. He thought general prosperity, and not the Arbitration Court, was responsible for higher wages. Joseph Sparrow, general engineer, had done work for New South Wales, but cou[d not compete with Victoria and its duty. In the iron trade the conditions of labor were not very different in New Zealand and Australia. Frederick Mallard, insurance expert, could not conceive of any gain to the colony by federation. Mark Cohen, journalist, wljile declining to definately commit himself, at present favored federation. He was convinced, as the result of careful enquiry, that the Australias would not ageee in any sense with a reciprocal treaty with New Zealand. He was convinced that New Zealand would be admitted as if an original State.

M. J. Scobie McKenzie said the proposed federation was taking away the rights of self-government from New Zealand. 'He had never encountered one single" reason why New Zealand should federate with Australia. The loss of the right of self-government was too’ big a thing to be weighed in the balance with oats, manufactures, or anything else, The Commission expects to conclude in Dunedin to-morrow night.