FEDERATION

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2924, 11 April 1891, Page 2

FEDERATION

KNJI OF Till-: C< iNTKKKNa:, lUV KLKCI'itIO I'KI.KOIIM'H.— I'OPYHI.; 11 I]. S 1 ! lINKV, April <J. At the Convention 10-ri.tv Sir S. Griffith, in moving that the report on the draft Constitution Hill b|e adopted, congratulated the Convention on trio uotl, done, and felt certain that when the. people of the colonies carefully considered the measure, it would meet with their approval. Sir Henry Varices said he had never in his most sanguine moments ex peeled to reach such an important, stage in so short a time. He desired to offer his sincere congratulation to the delegates, not only for the result of their labours, but for the tact and forbearance displayed. The debate, Im said, never at any time sunK to vituperation, and tlio proceedings had been marked throughout by an endeavour to reach the end in view with as much harmony as possible. The work done was great and valuable work, and he ventured to prnph'cy that the colonies would be quite satisfied with the labours of the Conventiun. Experience would show that the compromise with regard to the powers of the Senate would be wise and just. He referred to the opposition displayed towards federation- - which was bound to take place—and naid they knew from the history »f the past with what violence and opposition any great work was assailed. The firet class to assail it would be tho uninformed and reckless, who were ever ready to oppose what they did not understand. To those who accural them of giving away the liberties of the several colonies, he would say that their efforts had been to vastly extend them. They would have liberty and power extending over all the colonies. Special care would be taken to guard the land and territorial rights ns they existed at the present moment. Looking at tho futuie from the standpoint, of tho Convention, the admirably-drawn Bill prepared by Sir S. Griffith would be a document remembered as long as Australia and the English language existed. The Convention had breathed into the Bill the breath of immortal life. He suppoited tiie adoption ot tho report, and gave it every possible concurrence. After a number of members had addressed the Convention in a congratulatory strain. Sir George Grey again protesting that no proper form of representation had been provided, the motion for the adoption «-.£ the committee's report on the Draft Constitution Bill was carried, Sir G. Grey being the only dissentient. Sir S. Griffith moved that provision be made for the several Parliaments to submit tho Constitution to the people for approval; also, that if the Constitution be adopted by three colonies, the liupeual Government be requested to establish the Constitution. Sir J. C. Bray moved an amendment, "That the Bill bo submitted to the several l'arliaments for consideration instead of approval." Sir G. Griffith opposed the amendment as tho whole work of reconciliation am! compromise would go for nought if each colony could make an amendment Lo suit itself. The amendment was lost. After an attempt had been made by Sir George Grey to obtain recognition of the one man one vote principle, tho motion was put and carried. Votes of thanks were accorded to Sir H. Varices, Sir S. Griffith, and the lion. 3'. Abbott. Sir H. Varices then declared the Convention dissolved, and the assemblage brokoup with cheers for the ' lucon.