THE NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERIES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2179, 24 March 1891, Page 1

THE NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERIES.

London, March 20. Lord Knutsford has introduced 8 Bill to enable the Imperial Government to secure the modus Vivendi wi>h regard to the Newfoundland fisheries dispute, consequent on the refusal of tbe local Government to consent to arbitration or give legal effect to the award of the arbitrators,- The %neasure was read the first time to-day. The Bill gives tbe naval officers supreme authority over property along the coast and in the adjacent waters. The people of the colony are said to be furious at what they'consider the treachery of the Home authorities. The Parliament of Newfoundland have forwarded a petition to the House of Cimmons, praying that action reppe6ting arbitration on the fisheries-'dirfpdtV be delayed until such time as will give "the local Parliament an opportunity 'of expressing its views on tbe subject. The Opposition appear inclined to support Sir J. Pope Hennessy's motion protesting against tbe action taken by the Imperial Government.

IRISH AFFAIRS. London, March 20. Mr Parnell is not likely to resign bis seat for Cork, but tbe seceders are making preparations for a fight, New York, March 21. At the first meeting convened in this city by the Parnellite delegates moro than 4000 dollars were collected in sid of the National League. THE AH TOY CASE. London,'March 18. Lord Chancellor Ualebury delivered judgment in the celebrated Ah Toy case to-day. The Court considered tbe statutes regarding the admission of Chinese were intended to prevent tbe landing of an exceesive number, and not merely to tax those who desired to enter. Where tbe captain of a vessel shipped an excessive number there'was no lega.l duty on the Collector of Customs to receive payment tendered in respect of inch immigrants. No authority exists for giving an alien a right to enter British territory. Their Lordships Could not assent to the proposition that an alien who' was refused entry could compel a legal decision involving delicate'Constitutional questions affecting the rights of tbe Crown, the Parliament, and the colonies. Tbe Court purposely refrained from expressing an opinion as to what rights Victoria derived from the Crown under its Constitution. Allusion was also made to the late Mr Justice K-rferd's Very able judgment in the case. No costs were allowed.

i THE FEDERAL CONVENTION. Sydney, March 21. It is reported that the Select Committee of the National Convention appointed to consider constitutional machinery will propose that the Senate shall consist of from 40 to 50 members,' about seven representing ! each colony, to be chosen by the States Parliaments and elected for bix years, the popular chamber to consist of one representative from every 1 thirty thousand of inhabitants and to 'be elected for three years. Special provision is, however, to be made in cases such as Western Australia by fixing the minimum number of members at a certain figure/ It was decided to utilise the present election machinery, Sir G. Grey endeavored to obtain recognition of " One Man i • One Vote" system* but without result. It was further decided that members of the Executive may sit in Paflia- - ment, but shall not be compelled to Igo before their constituents to be- reelected when accepting a seat in the i Cabinet. The name of the. Lower House is to be changed to that of Federal Assembly, It is understood that the Victorian tariff will be the tariff, and to be against the world, Maroh 22. It is understood that the Constitutional Committee of the Convention have fixed the Governor-General's salary at £IO,OOO per annum. The, question was raised whether Australia is to have a voice in selecting the gentleman for the position. The Executive is to consist of seven members elected for three years by both Houses, except if called upon by a majority of both Houses, A proposal will be made to pay members an honorarium of £SOO per annum. It is unlikely that tbe Committee will be in a position to submit their report to the Convention on Tuesday, but in any caße the Bill will not be ready on that day.