MR DIBBS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2384, 19 July 1892, Page 1

MR DIBBS.

London, July 10. At a banquet which Mr Dibbs tendered to several notables, Lord Kimberley, who presided, in proposing Mr Dibbs' health, said he thought Imperial Federation was premature at present, and might be prejudicial to the relations existing between the colonies and England if it were forced before it was matured. He expressed the opinion that the colonial enigma would be the best solved by allowing the colonies the fullest control over their own affairs. In responding to the toast Mr Dibbs said that no colonist had ever received so many social compliments as himself, which lie attributed to the wish to honour New South Wales. The contingent which New South Wales had sent to the Soudan was an Judication of what the colonies would do if the time arrived when England really needed assistance. lie failed to see how Imperial Federation would benefit the colo'iies, and contended that no fi'-leration would bring thfi oolonies closer to England Uuui they were at pri..'}?e.!;fc, though he admitted that closer commercial union was possible. He referred to the defamations which had been published regarding the colonies, and explained the efforts which had been made to obtain the benefit of the Trusts Act. Lord Carrington proposed iv The United Empire," Sir Charles Tupper responding.