FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 104, 21 June 1900, Page 2

FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA.

THE BILL BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. (PER PBESS ASSOCIATION.] (Kecewed 20, 9.5 a.m.) London, June 19. During the debate on the Federal Bill, Mr. R. B. Haldane, member for Hadffingtonshire, complained that the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, omitted all reference to public interests outside Australia in substituting the definition precluding the Privy Council reviewing questions of great Imperial moment. Sir Robert Bannatyne Finlay, Soli-citor-General, denied that the delegates had been conceded more than they asked. It was inconceivable that the High Court would refuse an appeal if its decision conflicted with that of the Privy Council. Sir llobert Reicl, member for Dumfries Burghs, said it was unfortunate that Australia's harmless original bill had not, been accepted. Ho advised the .acceptance of tire latest compromise. Sir Win. R. Anson, member for Oxford University, suggested that the federal legislature be authorised to extend the right of appeal. The R'ght Hon. H. H. Asquith said the new clause was an improvement, though it was gravely embarrassing to discuss it at such short notice. The Right Hoa. J. Chamberlain declared that Australia thoroughly appt eciated every eii'ort in the direction of a compromise. It would be a great mistake now to revert to the oiiginal clause 74. At the suggestion of the Right Hon. H. Campbell-Bannerman, leader of the Opposition, progress was reported. The Times and Standard state that it is the general impression that the new clause is a great improvement, though it is regrettable that Mr. Chamberlain did not adhere to the deletion of the original clause 74. Sydney, June 20. The Premier, replying to a question ia the Houso, agreed to cable to Mr. Chamberlain not to take the Bill out of Committee until Parliameut" had a chance of indicating its view on the compromise.