The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1891. FEDERATION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2175, 14 March 1891, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1891. FEDERATION.

We wonder what on earth all the noise about federation means. For the last eight years or so that word " Federation " has been staring us in the face wherever we have looked. There has gone through the Government printing office of New Zealand more printed paper dealing with the | subject than would load a dray, and there can be no doubt that the | cost of it must have been very large. I In every paper one takes up " federaI tion" in large black letters attacks the eye, and now there is a convention of very respectable old gentlemen sitting in. Sydney and talking utter rubbish on the subject. New Zealand i plays the part of comedian in this theatrical display. She has forwarded three very worthy gentlemen to represent her with instructions to say that she will not federate until she sees how federation agrees with the others, and these representatives are not content with delivering their message, but must supplement it with plenty of advice as to what the other colonies ought to do. It is really funny to see New Zealand tendering advice in a grand-motherly sort of way to the older colonies with regard j to federation while she herself has j not the slightest intention of joining'

in. It is just as much as to say, " Federation is good enough for you poor things, you want to unite so as to be more powerful, but as for me I prefer to go on my own hook; I am fit to take care of myself." This is exactly the position New Zealand occupies at the convention as she is represented at present. It is a patronising sort of a position indeed, but perhaps it is the only one she can well occupy there under existing circumstances. One thing is certain: New Zealand has not the slightest intention of federating at present, and consequently we can afford to laugh at the nice little bit of comedy she is playing. Sir Henry Parkes was also very funny, He wanted everything carried unanimously. The whole thing would be a failure if any differences of opinion existed, he said, but notwithstanding this every one of the speakers had notions of his own. So far the speeches consist chiefly of generalities —fine high-sounding sentimental bosh without a grain of practicality abaut it. It is not difficult to seem unanimous so long as nothing further ib done, but when affairs narrow down to practical details things will assume a different aspect altogether. Then each colony will try to gain advantage over the others if possible, men with peculiar ideas will endeavor to enforce them, and unanimity will vanish into ths air.

It is possible that federation may suit the Australian colonies. They ara united by nature, and it is possible that a political union may suit them, but undoubtedly the movement is undemocratic. The more concentrated legislative power becomes the nearer autocracy is approached. If the A ustralian colonies federate the price of it will be the loss of the political liberties of the people, and the ultimate result discontent and dissatisfaction. Hitherto the colonies have been accustomed to have their own way. They could change their laws, or make new ones at will. How will they feel if at some future time they want to do something, and find they have no power to do it? They will then apply to the Federal Parliament, and if that refuses its sanction to it, what then f The whole scheme is undemocratic and reactionary, especially the proposal for an irresponsible senate, and the result will be dissasisfaction and discontent in the course of time.