AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2011, 22 February 1890, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

London, Feb, 16. In the House of Lords the Earl of Belmore eulogised Sir Henry Parkes’ action in taking steps to bring about the federation of Australia. Lord Knutsford said that he bad not received any despatch on the subject, and expressed confidence in the ability of the proposed convention to overcome all obstacles in the way of federation. Sir Charles Dilke, in a letter on the subject, asserts that Sir Henry Parkes is the greatest figure in the Empire after Mr Gladstone, and Sir John McDonald, of Canada, Earl Derby replying to an interviewer to-day on the question of Australasian federation said that the latter was eminently desirable if not opposed to tbo interest of England, As it was now jealousies among the colonies were increasing and would possibly lead to danger if allowed to go on unchecked. If when federated they could borrow cheaper it was certain to stimulate patriotism. Federation would not increase the strength ot the separatist pftrty in the colonies, because if Australia and Canada govern themselves they bad nothing to gain and something to lose by separating, The only serious risk was if England was involved in a naval war, in the object of which the colonies had no interest. Federating even then would diminish the risk of separation.