FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 17, 21 January 1898, Page 5

FEDERAL CONVENTION.

MELBOURNE, January 20.

The Federal Convention re-assembled in Parliament House at noon to-day for the purpose of completing the work of drafting the Bill on which the constitution of the Commonwealth may be based. Extensive preparations have been made for the accommodation of the visiting delegates and the press representatives, who are present in very large force. The proceedings were marked by very little ceremony. Mr Kingston (Adelaide) presided. Tlie meeting was merely formal, in consequence of the non-arrival of the Tasmanian delegates, who are detained by the rough sea in Bass Straits ; also the West Australian and New South Wales delegates. The meeting adjourned, after sitting a few minutes, until to-morrow forenoon.

Mr Glynn (Adelaide) presented a petition favouring the adoption of the Hare system of voting in the Federal parliamentary elections.

Correspondence in reference to the re presentation of Queensland at the Convention was read.

The non-arrival of the New South Wales delegates was caused by the train running down and killing a man on a railway tricycle. Subsequently the piston rod of the engine broke, causing considerable delay.

It is understood that the Finance Committee will recommend a three years' term for arriving at the amount of surplus revenue to be distributed amongst the federated colonies.

MELBOURNE, this day,

The Federal delegates were banqueted in the Town Hall. It was a distinguished gathering. Enthusiastic federation speeches were delivered by Governors Brasscy and Hampdcn, Sir George Turner and the visiting Premiers.