Federal Convention.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, 7 March 1891, Page 2

Federal Convention.

» < On Wednesday at the adjourned meeting of the Federal Convention at Sydney, Sir H. Parkes moved the following resolutions. " In order to establish a secure and enduring foundation for the structure of the Federal Government principles embodied in the resolutions the following be agreed to : — "1. That the powers, privilges, and territorial rights of the several existing colonies shall remain intact, except in respect to such surrenders as may be agreed upon as necessary and incidental to the power and authority of the National Federal Government. "2. That trade and intercourse between the federated colonies, whether by means of land carriage or coastal navigation, shall be abso* lutely free. "8. That the power and authority to impose Customs duties be exclusively lodged in the Federal Government and Parliament, subjeot to such disposal of revenues thenoe derived as shall be agreed upon. " 4. That the military and naval defence of Australia be entrusted to Federal forces, under one command." Subject to these and other necessary provisions, this convention approves the framing of a Federal Constitution which shall establish : — 1. A Parliament to consist of a Senate and House of Representatives the former consisting of an equal number of members from eoch province, to be elected by a system which shall provide for the retirement of one-third of the members every two years, so securing to that body itself perpetual existence, combined with definite responsibility to the electors. The Lower House to be elected by districts formed on a population basis, and to possess the* sole power of originating and amending all Bills, appropriating revenue, or imposing taxation. 2. A Judiciary, consisting of a Federal Supreme Court whioh shall constitute the High Court of Appeal for Australia under the direct authority of the Sovereign, whose decisions as such shall be final. 8. An Executive, consisting of a Governor-General and such persons as may from time to time be appointed as his advisers, such persons sitting in Parliament, and whose term of office shall depend upon their possessing the confidence of the House of Representatives, expressed by the support of a majority.