THE COMMONWEALTH

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 261, 13 November 1901, Page 3

THE COMMONWEALTH

FEDERAL TARIFF. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, Nov. 12. A conference of Chambers of Commerce of the Commonwealth has opened to discuss the Federal tariff. Mr Barton, speaking at the Mayoral banquet, and referring to the control of New Guinea, said ono thing that captivated Australians and Britons more than any other was the prospect of tho Commonwealth acquiring a dominion over the Southern Seas. Whilst their policy would never become aggressive, it was not tho intontion, he hoped, of anyone guiding the destinies of the Commonwealth to shrink from those duties which were inseparable from its position in the Southen Soas. Mr Barton has informed a deputation from the Royal Geographical Society, seeking a Federal contribution towards the sending of a yearly relief ship to tho Discovery’s Antarctic expedition, that he would consult tho Cabinet, but could givo no hope of a contribution. He sympathised with tho object, but said the constitutional powers of the Commonwealth did not authorise expenditure in such directions. Mr Reid is visiting tho leading provincial centres in Victoria, delivering freetrade addresses.

NEW GUINEA ESSENTIALLY FOR AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Redeivod 12.25 a.m., Nov. 13. Melbourne, Nov. 12. Ir. tho House of Representatives Mr Barton moved resolutions in favor of the Commonwealth assuming control of New Guinea, the annual vote not to oxceed £23,000, subject to tho revision at the ond of five years, dating from July, 1901. He stated that the Imperial Government based the refusal of financial assistance on the ground that New Guinea was taken over at the unanimous request of Australia as an Australian possession, and was essentially marked for Australia alone. The debate was adjourned.