FEDERAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1721, 11 April 1906, Page 3

FEDERAL POLITICS.

By telograpli, Press Ass’n, Copyright Sydney, April 10. To ouablo the Commonwealth to take over Norfolk Island, it would be necessary to obtain Imperial approval. Mr Deakin hopes the difficulty will be met by means of an Ordinance in Council, passed by the Homo authori* ties, as in tho case of Now Guinea. This will presorve to tho islanders as far as possible their existing laws. The Premiers’ Conference discussed

the Braddon clause. Mr Deakin suggested that instead of seeking a renewal of the clause for 20 years, the States should agree to a fixed payment by the Commonwealth for a term of years. The Conference rejected this suggestion, and urged that the clause be extended in perpetuity. Mr Deakin strenuously declared that he would not consent to such a course, and the Commonwealth Parliament would reject it. No decision has been reached. The matter will be further discussed

to-day. Mr Reid, speaking at Dubbo, said that if Mr Deakin would join him m a broad alliance against Socialism, they might come to terms In this crisis they must fight against Socialism, whatever their fiscal views. He proclaimed a fiscal peace. In the Queanbeyan by-election, Colonel Eyrie, Ministerial, is leading Hungerford, Labor, by 64 votes. There is only one return to come in, which cannot alter the result. ..