AUSTRALASIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1464, 6 February 1886, Page 1

AUSTRALASIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Hobart, Feb. 3. The Federal Council met to-day, in the Executive Council Chambers. The Select Committee appointed to prepare Standing Orders for the guidance of the Council in the transaction of business presented its report. The Standing Orders were, after discussion, adopted, A Committee was appointed to deal with financial matters connected with the Federal Council. The following Bills were then read a third time and passed A Bill for condensing and shortening the language of Acts issued by the Council; a Bill for authorising the service of civil processes outside the colony. A Bill defining the status of the foreign companies transacting business in the colonies was read a second tim>‘, but it is not intended to proceed within any further during the present session of the Council, with a view to enabling all the colonies to acquire a full knowledge of its provisions. A Bill for enforcing judgments within the limits i f the Australasian Federation was passed through Committee. A motion was,

brought forward for the production of all papers relative to the administration of New Guinea, A debate ensued on the subject till the time for adjournment. The Council will be prorogued on Friday next the sth, inst. Feb, 4. In the Council to-day, the Federal Evidence and Federal Judgment Bills were read a third time. After a long debate a motion was adopted for the presentation of an address to His Excellency the Governor asking him to lay on the Table despatches relative to the establishment and administration of a New Guinea protectorate. Is the Council this afternoon, Mr a telegram he had received from Mr Murray Smith, the Victorian Agent-General, confirming the Heater’s message already published relative to the agreement. between Germany and France and the possible occupation by the latter of the islands of the New Hebrides. A Select Committee was appointed to draw up an addresa for presentation to Her Majesty the Queen in reference thereto, The Council then adopted a motion recommending common action on the part of ail the colonies in the matter of granting indemnities in case of life or property being sacrificed in time of war.