FEDERATION CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2006, 11 February 1890, Page 4

FEDERATION CONFERENCE.

Melbourne, Feb. 8. Sir Henry Parkes wins indisposed this I morning and unable to move the resolu- I tion at the FedeTation Conference. As I his resolution was the first business to be brought forward to-day the Conference adjourned until Monday. The following is the full text of Sir I H. P*rkea's notioo of motioD :—" That in the opinion of this conference the best interests and present and future prosperity of tbn Australian colonies will be promotei by an early union under the Crown, and while fully recognising the valuable services of the members of the Convention held in 1885 in founding the Federal Council, this Conference declares its opinion that the seven years which have since elapsed have developed the national life of Australia, in population, io wealth, in discovery of resources, and in selfgoverning capacity, to an extent which justifies the higher act, at all times contemplated, of union of these colonies? in one Legislative and Executive Government, based upon principles just to the Beveral colonies."

Mr Deakin's notice of motion is "That the members of this Conference shall take such stops as are necessary to induce the Legislatures cf their resp. ctive colonies to appoint delegates to a National Convention, to consist of a certain number of members from each of the self-governing colonies and a certain number from the other Crown colonies ; that as it is apparent some time must elapse before a Federal Constitution is obtained, and as it is desirable that united action should be taken to provide for military defence end other urgent matters, it is advisable that the Federal Council should be employed for such purposes."

The official banquet* in connection with the Federation Conference wa* held in Parliament Bouse last night. The Queen's Hall, which was decorated with unusual magnificence for the occasion, presented a brilliant spectacle. tiis Excellency the Governor, the Earl of Hopetoan, was pro Sen t. 'ihe guests numbered about 200, and included Hie leading citizens of the colony. Speeches were delivered by the Premier (Mr Gillies), the Governor (the Earl of Hopetoun), Mr Service, and Sir •Jeory Parkes, The latter's was exceptionally brilliant,

London, Feb. 9. Ibe Earl of Derby, writing to the newspapers, says that Australian federation is eminently desirable, and that the English people are unanimous in the opinion that the colonists should become members of a powerful and important State. Internal freetrade is better than none whatever, Relations with the Colonial Office will be easier when the majority decides. Ho instanced Canada where the obstacles were greater to contend with. The success of Australian federation is, he says, assured if local jealousies are overcome, which statesmen suppress and ouly politicians trade upon.