LECTURE ON FEDERATION. ["Age" Specials, via Bluff.] London, February 18.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 39, 1 March 1884, Page 3

LECTURE ON FEDERATION. ["Age" Specials, via Bluff.] London, February 18.

The Agent-General of Victoria, Mr MurraySmith, delivered a lecture at tho Royal Colonial Institute on the subject of Australian federation. There was a large attendance of old colonists, and official representatives of the different colonies. Mr Smith, throughout his lesture, strongly advocated the establishment of federal union among the Australian colonies, and predicted a great future for Australasia under such a bond of union. Sir A. Blyth (Agent-General for South Australia), and Mr Cowderoy (Secretary of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, also made short speeches in favour of the federation movement. Both took a hopeful view of some practical result being obtained at no very remote period. Sir Saul Samuel (Agent-General for New South Wales), also spoke, and regarded the attempt made to secure federation at this early stage of the existence of the colonies as premature. He added that in his opinion a successful conclusion of the labours of the Sydney Convention was very improbable. Mr John Mclntyre, member of the Victorian' Legislative Assembly, also spoke, and condemned the omission of the subject of Australasian federation from the Queen's Speech on the opening of Parliament.