THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2422, 19 January 1888, Page 2

THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) (By Electihc Tki.kgkai'h—Copyright.) HoiiAKT, January 17. The Federal Council ivas formally opened yesterday. Victoria, (Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia are represented. Sir Samuel Griffiths was chosen President. His Excellency the Governor opened the Council, He said that the prospect of other colonies joining in federation was near at hand, but until then federation would not be complete. Tho President, said that, delegates had met, not for heroic legislation, but to prevent the movement dying a natural death. The business transacted yesterday was purely formal. To-day committees were appointed to draw up addresses to Her Majesty the Queen, one pointing out the danger the colonies were subjected to from convicts, and the other containing the Jubilee congratulations of the Council. Mr Gillies, speaking to the motion for the appointment of the committees, deprecated the vacillation displayed by the Imperial authorities on matters which closely concerned the colonies. He suggested that before the Island of Kaiatea was ceded to France, the latter should give a promise that no criminals would be sent there. He was assured that South Australia would pass an Enabling Bill next vssion, and thus become represented at i iju C inticil. Ho also urged the necessity of peeping the Federal movement going, but deprecated any attempt to extend tho number or power of the representatives.