The Annexation Conference at Sydney.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4657, 7 December 1883, Page 2

The Annexation Conference at Sydney.

[Reuteb's Telegbams.]

Sydney, Yesterday. The remaining clauses of the Federation Bill were under discussion at the Convention this morning. A general agreement exists among delegates regarding the principles of the measure, which is expected to be unanimously adopted tomorrow.

At the Conference to-day Mr Dibbs, Colonial Treasurer of New South Wales, gave notice of motion requiring various Governments to pc pledged to submit to their several legislatures the various resolutions that may be come to by the Convention. Sir George Dcs Vceux, Governor of Fiji, gave notice of motion having tor its object the prevention of unrestricted purchases of land in New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.-—Mr Bray Premier of South Australia, tabled a

motion in favour of requesting the Im« perial Government to introduce a bill constituting au Australasian Federal Council.—Mr Giblin, Premier of Tasmania, gave notice of a motion for the appointment of the Premiers of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and New Zealand as a committee to carry out the; objects of the Conference, and summon a convention when necessary, Mr Serf ice to be Chairman of Committee.

[Received December 7,1.15 p.m.]

Sydney, This day.

It has transpired that the Convention has made several alterations in the draft of an Imperial Bill for the constitution of a Federal Council. The measure now consists of eleven clauses, and in addition to the points already telegraphed, provides that the Governor of Tasmania shall have power to summon the Council to hold a sessions at Hobart, until other* wise decided. The presence of a majority will be necessary (o constitute a quorum, and the decision of the majority is to prevail. The Federal Council to have authority over' British Ship Fisheries beyond territorial limits; over deserters, and over defences, within or without territorial limits ; the decision of the Council to be valid only for those colonies which agree to them; power shall be in the Governor of the Colony where the Council sits to assist to disallow or reserve for Koyal assent, any measure passed, and any amounts payable by the Colonies ; in case of difference to be assessed by the Governor of Tasmania.

The Act shall be invalid in any colony until legislation has adopted it, and not be operative until four colonies have passed it.-