AUSTRALIAN PREMIERS' CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8083, 12 April 1906, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERS' CONFERENCE.

.I* TKB BRADDON CLAUSE. I&DBBSI'AtfDiNG BETWEEN "-~v_ THE STATES. Stdsey, April 11. Whilst the Conference reaffirmed the Braddon Clause resolutions, it also recommended clauses*of the draft Bill of - 1897, which limits the Commonwealth expenditure out of customs and excise revenue to one-fourth the net total. The clause providing that State debti be transferred to the Common' wealth also prorides that interest be paid out of the surplus revenue. Mr Deakin expressed regret that no definite sum could be agreed upon in regard to the Braddon Clause. Ue had hoped the Conference would agree either to a definite sum for all time or to an amount subject to re-assessment from time to time. He, however, accepted the proposals as representing the mature views of the States, and would make no attempts to convince them that any other ourse should have been followed. *"" Mr Deakin has returned to Mel-

bourne. The Premiers were last night the guests at a Lord Mayor's dinner. The speeches emphasised the fact that an understanding had been come to for the States working well together. Mr Bent (Victoria) suggested that the federal Parliament should be located for ten years each in Melbourne and Sydney, and at the end of that time it might be in a position to spend money for a Federal capital. Among suggestions made by the ■-Premiers to Mr Deakin was one that -he- s&oirVd at next election refer the question of makina the Braddon Clause perpetual, to the people. The' Herald says the decision of th«. Conference does not advance matters much beyond demonstrating that it has reached a point whereat the Fide.'al and State authorities have agreed t> differ. The conflict of interests is so direct that they would not have expected much cbi". The States have put their foot down, insisting ou the Hobart resolution, which favours indefinite extension, beyond the ten years' period of the clause's operation*

FEDERAL CAPITAL SITE. SoBHOWINGIN CO.QPEKATIO> T Iteceived 12yHC£37 a.m. -w^-'-«' Svbskv, April 12. yPhe Premier* discussed the question <" r- of the Federal capital site. The general expression of opinion was that the delay and attendant expenses rested with the Commonwealth Government, which, it was claimed, eould settle the matter when it chose. It was ultimately decided to take a course of action, which means means waiting development* It was resolved that the States co--operate in floating loans, so as to avoid competition with each other on the in order to secure tho best tjrms as regard interest and charges. It was decided to fix a uniform rate of brokerage for local^loans. Decisions were come to in favour of promoting reciprocity amongst the savings banks and for a combined Australian exhibition in England, a travel!' ving one being preferred, The conference also re-affirmed the necessity for the restriction of the sale and use of opium.