New Zealand and Federation.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 171, 4 July 1901, Page 3

New Zealand and Federation.

Wellington, July 2

The Federation Commission's report finds that the federation of New Zealand with Australia tfGUld prejudicially affect the legislative independence of New Zealand. In regard to public finance* the revenue of New Zealand, if federated, would be diminished by at least £4SO,(KK). New Zealand would not benefit by the conversion of loans, and her public finance would be seriously prejudiced in the event of her federating, while her State Government would be hampered and embarrassed in -respect of finance and in the prosecution of any policy for developing her resources.

In regard to defence* the Commissioners are of opinion that as a separate colony Netf Zealand would fender Australia ail possible assistance in war time, and similar assistance would be given by Australia to New Zealand. The Commis* sioners think that the Commonwealth and Netf Zealand should increase their annual subsidy to the Imperial Government in respect of the Australian squadron upon condition that the number and class of warship on the station should be increased and improved. No ad-

vantage as regards mutual defence

would arise from federation.

As far as postal And telegraphic matters are •concerned, federation would be a distinct loss to New Zealand-.

- On the subject of Coloured labour, the Commissioners thought that unless it is permitted in the tropical patfcs of, Queensland, the sugar industry will suffer severely, if not die out altogether.

The Commissioners think the stretch of 1200 miles of sea between Australia and New Zealand is a weighty argument against New Zealand joining - the Commonwealth. If New Zealand federated, much inconvenience and embarrassment must be experienced in the administration of the several departments controlled byjhe Federal Government. :

Even under free trade New Zealand coqld not look fa States of the Commonwealth for a large permanent market. • The sinners conclude that apart from labour conditions neither the manufacturers nor the working classes of New Zealand (with few exceptions) have anything to fear from free trade being established between New Zealand and Australia. The maintenance of the New Zealand Gode of labour laws would be extremely ; difficult under federation, and reduced wages might result. The Commissioners are not hopeful of a reciprocal tariff being arranged.

In conclusion, the Commissioners state that they unanimously arrived at the cohelusiou that it is not desirable that New Zealand should federate with the Commonwealth.