FEDERATION COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 147, 3 July 1901, Page 2

FEDERATION COMMISSION.

UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST FEDERATION. NOT HOPEFUL OF RECIPROCITY. SWEEPING INDICTMENT AGAINST FEDERATION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, last night. The Federation Commissioners, in their report, find that the federation of New Zealand with Australia would prejudicially affect the legislative independence of New Zealand. In regard to public finance, the revenue of New Zealand, if federated, would bo diminished by at least d£450,000. Now Zealand would not benefit by the conversion of loans. Her public finances would be seriously prejudiced in the event of her federating, while her State Government would be hampered and embarrassed in respect of finance, and in the prosecution of any policy for the developing of her resources. In regard to defence, the Commissioners are of opinion that as a separate colony Now Zealand would render Australia all possible assistance in war time, and similar assistance would be given by Australia to New Zealand. The Commissioners think that the Commonwealth and New Zealand should increase the annual subsidy to the Imperial Government in respect of the Australasian squadron, upon the condition that the number and class of warships on the station be increased and improved. No advantage as regards mutual defence would arise from federation. As for postal and telegraph matter cor cerned by federation, it would be adistinc loss to New Zealand. On the subject of colored labor the Commissioners thought that unless it is permitted in the tropical parts of Queensland the sugar industry will suffer severely, if not die out altogether. The Commissioners think that the stretch of 1200 miles of sea between Australia and Now Zealand is a weighty argument against Now Zealand joining the Commonwealth. If Now Zealand federated much inconvenience and embarrassment must be experienced in the administration of the several departments controlled by the Federal Government. Even under freetrado Now Zealain could not look to the States of the Com monwealth for largo permanent markets The Commissioners conclude that apar from labor conditions, neither manufac turers nor working classes of New Zcalanc (with few exceptions) have anything t< fear from freetrado being established between New Zealand and Australia. The maintenance of the New Zealand code of labor laws would bo oxtremelj difficult under Federation, and reduced wages might result. The Commissioners are not hopeful of a reciprocal tariff being arranged. In conclusion, the Commissioners state that they unanimously arrived at the conclusion that it is not desirable New Zealand should federate with the Commonwealth.