THE FEDERATION CONVENTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 93, 23 April 1891, Page 7

THE FEDERATION CONVENTION.

The Convention concluded on the 9(sh of April. Sir Samuel Griffith, in moving that the report draft of the Bill be adopted, congratulated the Convention on the work done. He felt certain when the people oi the colonies carefully considered the measure it would meet with their approval. Sir Henry Parkes said he never in his most sanguine moments expected to reach Euch an important stage in so short a time. He desirad to offer his sincere congratulations to the delegates not only on the result of their labours, but on the tact and forbearance displayed. The debate never at any time sank to vituperation, and the proceed-

ings were marked by an endeavour to I'each the end in view with as much harmony as possible. The work done was a great and valuable work. Hβ ventured to prophesy that the colonies would be quite satisfied with the labours of the Convention. Experience would show that compromise with regard to the powers of the Senate would be wise and just. He referred to the opposition to federation which was bound to take place. They knew from the history of the past to what violent opposition any great new work was assailed. The first class to assail would be the uninformed and reckless, who were ever ready to oppose what they did not understand. To those who accueed them of giving away the liberties of the several colonies he would say their efforts had been vastly to extend them. They would have liberty and power extending over all the colonies. Special care had been taken to guard the lands and territorial rights as they exist at the present) moment. Looking at the future from the standpoint of this Convention the admirably drawn Bill prepared by Sir Samuel Griffith would be a document remembered as lcug as the Australian - English language existed. The Convention breathed into the Bill the breath of immortal life. He supported the adoption of the report with 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 addition of 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 the Constitution to tho peoplefor approval; also, that if the Constitution be adopted by three colonies, the Imperial Government be requested to establish the Constitution. Sir J. C. Bray moved an amendment, " That the Bill be submitted to the several Parliaments for consideration instead of approval." Sir S. Griffith opposed the amendment, as the whole work of reconciliation and compromise would go for naught if each colony could make an amendment to snib itself. The amendmenb was lost. After an attempt had been make by Sir George Grey to obtain recognition of the one man one vote principle, the motion was pub and carried. Votes of thanke were accorded to Sir H. Parkea, Sir S. Griffith, and the Hon. P Abbott. Sir H. Park es then declared the Conven tion dissolved, and the assemblage broke up with cheers for the Queen. Sir Harry Atkinson and the Hon. Cap* tain Russell, two of the New Zealand delegates to the Fedoral Convention, returned hero by the steamer Manapouri on April 14th en route for Wellington. SIR HARRY ATKINSON INTER- ■ VIEWED. Sir Harry Atkinson was interviewed aft the Grand Hotel, Princes-street, and though pressed for time gave his impressions of the Federation Convention very concisely, but freely. Regarding his own health he said he had been very well during his visit to Australia, and that he felt very much the same as when he left Wellington. Hβ hoped, however, that the trip had on .the whole proved beneficial. Asked his opinion as to the value of the Conference, Sir Harry said, "I have no doubb the Conference has materially aided federation. Whether immediate federation springs from it or nob, I think it will do a great deal of good in the direction of bringing the colonies together. I think it was a mistake that New Zealand did nob send seven delegates there." "Is there a greater probability than formerly of New Zealand joining the federation ?" "My view as to the necessity of New Zealand joining , , if possible, was very much strengthened by what I caw, bub I am of opinion that it would be quite impossible for New Zealand to join under the present Act, without circumstances materially changed and of which change I see no prospect. I think the colonial debts must be taken over entirely. Ido not see how a colony situated as New Zealand is can possibly agree to part with its revenue, and not hare its liabilities taken over as well." "If the Commonwealth be set up what colonies do you think v ill come in at first ?" "It is very difficult for me to say. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland men seem to think that the Bill will probably suit them." " Do you think the cettlement arrived ah with regard to the Senate's control over money Bills was a satisfactory one ?" " Yes. I think it was a satisfactory compromise. I should hare preferred the Senate having, in words, co-ordinate power with the House of Representatives, but I think it has probably got the substance of power as proposed. So much depends on the Constitution as interpreted, but if the Act reads as I think it does then there is enough power in the Senate. 1 " What commercial effect would the federation have upon New Zealand ?" " There you open a very deep question. At present, if 1 remember rightly, wo pay in duty £144,000, and only collect some £18,000 from other colonies' goods. It there is free trade between the various colonies we should have a very considerable saving. We should also have a very large market open for our oats, etc." " What would probably be the tariff adopted under federation ?"

"I should not like to express an opinion, but I would say it must be a maceriallv high tariff to raise sufficient revenue."

*' Do you think the representation 01 New Zealand in the federation would bo adequate to ensure her interests would be properly protected ?" "I bare nob the leasts doubt that her interests would be thoroughly looked after by the proposed representation." " Would the Federation take over the liabilities we have incurred from loan for forts and other defence works, and pay the interest on this expenditure ?"

"They would take over the whole coet of the material, and they would pay for our forts. It is propoeed to take over immediately under thenew Bill the Customsduties, excise, post office (which would include the mail services), and defence."

"And if the federation takes over tfie Custom House, how is New Zealand to raise revenue to pay its public debt ?"

"What they propose to do is to hand back all our Customs duties, after deducting the cost of Federal Government in New Zealand. That is where our difficulty comes in. We collect £1,500,000 in round numbers, and any tariff they would be likely to propose would produce vary much leas than this. If the Victorian tariff were imposed the amount collected in New Zealand would be only about £1,100,000; and if an average of the present tariffs throughout the colonies were imposed we should only collect £1,350,000 ; so that we stand to lose between £150,000 and £400,000.

" What in your opinion would be the position of New Zealand if we stood out of the federation ?"

" I think it would be rery" detrimental indeed; and I think so more strongly the more I see of the question ; but I could not advice New Zealand to join under the present Act). I am, however, in great hopes that these men who think several of the large Australian colonies can federate under the present Act will be able to bring about their federation. They would then see the necessity of getting all the other colonies in, and such alterations will be made aa will be found' neceaiary to achieve that end."