FEDERATION CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2008, 15 February 1890, Page 1

FEDERATION CONFERENCE.

Melbouene, Feb. 12. Mr McMillan (New South Wales) resumed the debate at the Federation Conference this morning. He wished to point out that the Conference had really no authority whatever from the Legislatures of the different colonies to show that the latterhad federation atheart. MrOockburn thought it was impracticable, but he (Mr McMillan) was glad he agreed it was desirable to federate. As for himself, he believed there was no question about the feeling of New South Wales, for they had the highest authority, that of Parliament. They had already had such union as was never known before in the world, There

was really only one debateable question, that of border tariffs. There could be nothing approaching Federation unless the whole of the border Customhouses were abolished.

¥r Bird (Tasmania) said Federation without intercolonial Fredtrade federation would not tfork. Tasmania would like to stipulate for Freetrade between the colonies, leaving the tariff for the outside world to be settled afterwards.

Sir John Hall (New Zealand), while agreeing with his colleague, Captain Russell, that Federation should at present be confined to the Continent, said the decisien they arrived at came from no wa.nt of appreciation of the advantages of union, nor any spirit of luke*-armness. Now Zealand was at present unable to join in so great a movement, though tho speeches of Sir Henry Parkes and others must have carried conviction that the time for Federation had arrived. Ee congratulated his venerable friend on being the man to bring forward this proposal for union. He agreed with the truth of Sir Henry Parkes' motion in all but one particular—that was where he said nature had placed no impediment in the way of federating these Australian colonies. As a matter of fact, there were between New Zealand and Australia no fan than 1200 impediment! in the shape of that number of miles of sea. The colony, it was felt, was, in view of its present circumstances, too remote from what would be the seat of government to take part in it. Indeed, she could hardly be sure of obtaining her b.st men to represent her in the Central Parliament, for thay could not afford to leave the country for, perhaps, six months at a time. She had the warmest sympathy with Australia in the matter of Federation; but could not see her way to join, owin« to remoteness and, to some extent, the dissimilarity of their administration. He thought,, with his colleague, they would join hands in naval defence, although he hoped they would never have to depend on the navy of United Australiu. It would not be well with them if they had not with them the great maritime power of England behind. He could see no service that a federal army could do for New,Zealand, and they could hardly join hands there. They were anxious, bowever, to co-operate with Australia whsre. they could, and in the friendliest manner possible. He differed from his colleague only one matter, and that was Freetrade. Although himself a Protectionist, he was most decidedly in favor of intercolonial Freetrade. They had developed a Protective policy in New Zealand, but in no one instance was that policy directed against their neighbors. He wished he could say the same for his friends of Victoria. He did not think the fact of New Zealand standing out would retard the Federation of Australia. Indeed, ho thought it would facilitate and simplify it. The question would be free from complications which New Zealand might bring them. He was rather surprised when Mr McMillan said New South Wales would never have anything but complete Federation. He would give him the advice once given in the House of Commons to a young Parliamentary hand, " Never use the word ' never.' " When Mr McMillan had more Parliamentary experience he would probably bo more careful in committing himself so readily. He had no doubt as to the success of the union, and rather envied his Australian brothers, because they could join. He believed history would repeat itself in these Southern Seas, and that United Australia would become, like Great Britain, the centre of liberty, civilisation, and light throughout the length and breadth of the Southern Hemisphere.

' , . Feb. 13. Speaking at the Conference yesterday, Mr Macrossan (Queensland) said that he believed no good could be done without a complete Federation. He would like to know how the colonies could get along better with incomplete Federation than they were getting along now with the Federal Council.

Sir Henry Parkes replied in an eloquent speech. In the course of it he said perhaps he ought not to be surprised that the debate had gone further than he expected, but he had reason to be surprised that he should have been treated with rudeness. He could not conceive anything more offensive than to be told to one's face, as the delegates of New South Walea had been told, that though proposing this thing they were not sincere. That was the deepest oi&ince that could be given him, and it had been offered by a delegate from Adelaide—by Mr Playford. Ho prayed God that Australia might always live under the British flag —she could have no bettor destiny. His whole being trembled with prayer that in time to come, all parts of the Empire might mass together for ever and ever ; that they might form part of one beneficent Empire such as tha world has never yet seen. He could see no obstacle to prevent the Australian States, Canada, and South Africa uniting with the Mother Country to form an Empire, carrying the English language, literature, arts, and sciences to all parts of the earth. It might be otherwise ; it might be as many reputable respectable citizens desired that we should form a nation by ourselves He trusted that the Conference would lead to a better understanding. He confidently looked forward to Federation within tho next decade, if not sooner.

Mr Gillies (Victoria) followed. Sir Henry Parkes' resolution was then passed. Mr Deakin withdrew the motion of which he had given notice.

The Conference will finish its sitting to-morrow. °