FEDERAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1722, 12 April 1906, Page 2

FEDERAL POLITICS.

THE PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE. By telegraph, Press A®s’n, Copyright Sydney, April 11.

Whilst the Premiers’ Conference reoffirmed the Braddon clause resolutions, it | alio clauses of the draft Bill of 1897, which limits tho Commonwealth's expenditure out of Customs and excise revenue to one fourth tho net total. The clauso providing that State debts bo transferred to tho Commonwealth also provides that interest bo paid out of sur-

plus revenue. Mr Donkin expreseod regret that no I definite turn bad been agreed upon in regard to the Braddon clauso. Ho had hoped tbo Conference would agreo either to a definite sum for all time as to an I amount subject to reassessment from time I to time. He, however, accepted the propopals as lopresenting the mature views of tho States, and would make do attempt to omvinoe them that any other course should have bten followed. Mr Deakin has returned to Melbourne. The Premiers last night were tbe gueßtß of the Lord Mayor at a dinner. The speeches emphasised tho fact that an understanding had been come to for tbe States working well together. Mr Bent suggested the Federal Parliament Ehould be located for ten years each in Me'bourne ] and Sydney, and at the end of that time they might be in a position to spend money for a Federal capital. Amongßt the suggestions made by the Premiers to Mr Deakin was that ho should at next election refer the question of making the Braddon clause perpetual to the people. , . . , The Herald says the decision of tbo Conference does not advance matters much beyond demonstrating they have reached a point whereat the Federal and State authorities agree to differ. The conflict of interests is direot, and one could not have expected much else. The S'.a'es have put their foot doWD, insisting on the Hobatt resolution, whioh favors indefinite extension beyond the ten ycats' period of i the olause’s operation.

THE FEDERAL CAPITAL. AGREEMENT ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS.

Bjr telegraph, Presa Aas’n, Copyright

Received 12.32 a m,, April 12. Sydney, April 11. Tbe Premiers discuseed tbe queßtion of tbo Federal capital site. There was a general expression of opinion that the delay and attindant expenses rested on the Commonwealth Government, which it was claimed, could settle the matter when it chose. Ultimately the ConfereDCs deoided on a course of action which means waiting developments. It was resolved that the States cooperate in floating loans so as to avoid competition with each other on the market to secuio the best terms in regard to interest and charges. It was decided. to fix a uniform rate of brokerage for local ioans. Decisions were come to in favor of promoting reciproeaoy amongst savings banks, and a combined Australian exhibition in England, a travelling one beiog preferred. The Conference reaffirmed tbe necessity for restriction of the sale and use of opium.