FEDERATION QUESTION

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 421, 13 April 1899, Page 2

FEDERATION QUESTION

OPENING OF NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT. VIEWS OF LORD TENNYSON. [iJNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT). Sydney, April 11. The Lieutenant-Governor opened Parliament at noon to day. The House was crowded The Speech Eaid Parliament was called together to deal with a special matter of great urgency and importance. The Government considered that they were under the strongest possible obligation to urge upon Parliament the propriety of providing for the free and untrammelled vote of the whole body of electors on the momentous question of Federal union. In order to maintain good faith with the other colonies whose Governments had conceded the leadership of the Federal movement to New South Wales, the Government would immediately resubmit the Convention Bill adopted by the Premiers' Conference. There is dissatisfaction amongst the Opposition owing to the majority of the new Legislative Councillors being freetraders. A section of the electors of the King division are petitioning Mr Reid to resign, disapproving of his attitude regarding federation. The Opposition caucus decided to take no action against the Government. A section of the party wished to attack them on their general policy, but the ardent Federalists in the party prevented such a course being adopted. When the question of appointing a committee to draft the Address-in-Reply came up, the an ti-Federalists in the Assembly commenced obstructive tactics, seeking to have the committee appointed by ballot. A thick crop of points of order has wasted the time of the House so far.

In the Legislative Council the new members were sworn in, and the debate on the Address-in-Reply is proceeding. The Legislative Assembly eventually disposed of the motion for a ballot, and ia now debating an amendment, moved by an anti-Federalist, regretting the absence from the Speech of any reference to pressing domestic legislation. Adelaide, April 11. Lord Tennyson, the new Governor, replying to an address of welcome, said until Australia federated she would not take her rightful place in the councils of the nations. An Anglo-Saxon League was within the sphere of practical politics, and when it was consummated it would be the mightiest influence known in securing the permanent peace and civilisation of the world.

(Received April 12,10.10 a.m.). Melbourne, April 12 The Age says Mr Reid's policy shows he is ready to wound, but yet afraid to strike. If the present delay leads to the further postponement of Federation, it will be due to the selfish tactics of the Local Party in New South Wales and the bungling of Mr Reid, who either does not know his own mind or has overestimated his power of bounce. (Received April 12, 10.10 a.m.). Sydney, April 12. The Legislative Council adopted the Address-in-Reply, The tone of the speeches of the opponents to tho Federal Bill indicated that they intended to firmly maintain their position. In the Legislative Assembly the debate on the amendment, which the Labour Party is expected to suppoit, was adjourned.