THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. Opening Speech by Sir G. Strachan. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] Hobart, January 26.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 139, 30 January 1886, Page 4

THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. Opening Speech by Sir G. Strachan. [REUTERS TELEGRAM.] Hobart, January 26.

The formal opening of the Federal Council by His Excellency the Governor took place todays in the presence of a large number of spectators. In the course of a brief address, the (iovemor alluded .to the circumstances which led to the assembling of the present Federal Council, and expressed regret that New South Wale?, South Australia, and New Zsaland were not represented. He extended, howover, a hearty welcome to thoso representatives present, ar.d expressed confidence in the ultimate realisation of the hopes and aspirations to which the meeting had givon rise. At the afternoon sitting, Mr Griffiths proposed tho adoption of an address in roply to the Governor's speech. Mr Griffiths delivered a lengthy and exhaustive addres?j referring to the functions of the Council and the benefits to be derived by the colonies from federation, and regretting tho absence of repiesentatives from tho other colonies. He proposed the appointment of a standing committee to prepare measures during the recesses for submission to the Council. Mr Macgregor, West Australia, seconded the motion. Mr Berry, in the course of his sp.-ech, admitted the scheme of Australian federation was at presont imperfect. He hoped that tho other coloniea would join the union before the next session of the Council. The address was then adopted, and resolutions canied to the effect that a telegram be sent to Her Majesty the Queen stating that the Council, on its inauguration, desires to express its cense of loyalty and affection to Her Majesty's person. A select committee was appointed to - prepare standing orders for the guidance, of the Council in the transaction of bueineei, and an-adjournment was made until t<K morrow morning.