CONFERENCE OF PREMIERS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8827, 31 May 1907, Page 2

CONFERENCE OF PREMIERS.

Press Association-Copyright Brisbane, May 31. The Conference further considered tho taking over of State debts. Mr Oarruthers held that tho time was not ripe, and he declined to regard Sir John Forrest’s speech as a threat. Tho Commonwealth had not the power to take over the debts without the consent of the States. The latter had as much power in regard to debts of the Federal Treasurer; in fact,‘a great deal more, power, because they were in possession. Sir John Forrest was relying on the Loudon market, but the States were not going to London. He believed that the period was passed .when Australia would have to look to London for loans. The Only justification for handing over the debts would be to place on the Commonwealth the obligation of finding interest. The way the Commonwealth was trying to overshadow tho States could not lead to good results for either party. Ho did not intend to put tho Commonwealth in a position that would give it greater power, for its power might bo used to make the States beg as favours what they were entitled to as rights. The President agreed with Mr Carrnthers that ho would not consent to give the Commonwealth more powers without a permanent Braddou clause.

Mr Moore (West Australia) said that although he voted against the motion in his own Parliament to take a referendum on secession, ho was satisfied that if it were brought up. again it would be carried by a 90 per cent majority, unless special consideration was extended Jto Wcstralia.

The Conference agreed to postpone tbo debts question till after tho distribution of -the surplus had been determined.