Federation in Australia.

Manawatu Herald, 24 June 1899, Page 3

Federation in Australia.

RESULT OF POLL IN N.S. . WALES. The latest official figures as to the . polling returns are :— For the Bill ... ... 101,200 Against the Bill ... 795670 Majority 21,530 Addressing an immense and enthusiastic crowd outside the " Sydney Morning Herald " office, Mr Reid said he trusted that the Australian union which had been proclaimed by the voice of the people would soon be ratified by statute law. He gave an assurance that the interests of N^w South Wales would be safe in the hands of the Federal Parliament, in which she would be the predominant partner. The Right Hon. E. Barton, senior member of the New South Wales delegation to the Federal Conventions, received a great ovation. He said ; that after years of trial and struggle they had consummated the great destiny which they had always hoped for, and reaped the reward of a glorious victory — a victory which, he added, " has given us a nation for a continent and a continent for a nation." The Right Hon. G. H. Reid, Premier of the colony, in the course of an interview, said that the result was a victory greater than he had ever expected. As to the future, so far as Mr Reid could see, there was no reason why an | Imperial Act should not be passed j bringing the federation into existence during the approaching session. Probably they would have a united federation early in the ensuing year. In an article dealing with the result of the poll in New South Wales, the " Argus " says that the fateful day ended in a most decisive victory for the national cause. The " Age " in its leading columns state that New South Wales has accepted the bill with an emphasis not to be mistaken.