THE FEDERAL PREMIER

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 545, 15 October 1902, Page 3

THE FEDERAL PREMIER

INFORMATION GIVEN BY SIR E. BARTON, (Per R.M.S. Ventura at Auckland.) BRISBANE, October 14. Sir Edmund Barton states that there is a clause in the naval agreement permitting the use of its squadron or a part of it in China and East Indian Indian Seas. In accordance with the tactics in modern naval science, if the squadrons were not allowed to give each other mutual support in time of war, the combined French squadron might lie able to destroy some detached squadron. This new feature meant much more berielit than otherwise to Australia, because we could now claim the support of two other squadrons in time of danger. If the Australians decided to start a navy of their own they could never obtain the efficient, up-to-date vessels which they would secure by the arrangement. In relerence to military defence, the Premiers showed a general readiness to ensure as far as possible similar equipment and training as the Imperial forces, but nothing was done which would have the effect of compelling colonial militia-men to take up service outside their colonies against their will. Sir Edmund Barton considers the resolutions adopted in the directions assuring that tlie products of the Empire only should be used in army and navy contracts, and the reference to trade relations with the Empire should he productive of much good. lie traversed the other resolutions, including one providing that so far as consistent with the confidential negotiations of treatius with foreign powers, the views of tiie colonies where alTeeted should be obtained before entering into such treaties. Another was that it was desirable that in contract cable agreements a clause, where practicable should be inserted, reserving to the 1 Government or Governments concern- 1 ed the right af purchasing the cables. 1

lie rcterred to a resolution carried at Mr .Seddon’s instance, providing that members of the learned profession admitted to practice in the selfgoverning colonies sgould lie allowed to practice in the Transvaal and Orange Cornnics, on condition that reciprocal treatment is given in the colonies concerned.

No oiler of the post of Governor-Ge-neral had been made when Kir E. nartion left England, and the question of appointing a High Commissioner was still in abeyance. Referring to'his trip through Canada he said that the Dominion was taking a fresh turn in prosperity. Since preferential treatment was given British products, the imports had enormously increased. People were flocking in from America. The wheat industry was exceedingly flourishing. lie had, he said, no fears regarding the future of the New Hebrides. Negotiations were proceeding between the British and French Governments with a view to establish a tribunal to settle land claims on the Islands. The Mayor held a reception for Kir Edmund Barton and Kir Joint Forrest In the course of a speech, Kir Edmund Barton referred to the growth of feeling in England in favor of the colonies. He held the strongest belief that they will fully satisfy the aspirations of Australia. Dealing witli preference for the Empire’s products, lie urged our brothers at. Home to show a preference for everything we in Australia produced.