AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 105, 4 May 1900, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

(By Cable.—Press Association.) (Copyright.)

NATIONAL LIBERAL ASSOCIA*

TION'S BANQUET,

LONDON, May 3.

At the National Liberal Association's banquet to the Federal delegates, Lord Carrington presided. Sir 11. Campbell-Bannermun proposed "The Australian Commonwealth,"and incidentally described it as -unborn." He declared that the union of the Australian colonies contributed .to the oneness of the British race. It was inconceivable that a difference of opinion would present effect being given to Australia's wishes.

Mr Barton, in replying, said the Australians confidently hoped that Britain would recognise that the Constitution was clearly limited to things necessary for self-government, and would not adopt a course eakmlated to lead to a change in the. Constitution. Lender the circumstances there had been some irritation.

; Mr Kingston said the Commonwealth -was born in the people's heart, cradled in their fondest hope, and was now presented at the Imperial font trusting that the process of blessing would not mar its form or future. ■ ■ ■ ■

Lord Kosebery, in proposing the "Empire's Parliaments," said he foresaw in the amalgamation of the Lords and the Privy Council.an open door to reform the House of Lords .ensuring for it a great future. There were* British Parliaments all over the globe. Must they remain scattered, or united only by the symbol of the Crown? He believed the extraordinary spectacle of the Motherland rescuing- fellow, subjects from an intolerable domination and are. intolerable menace and her daughters rallying to her support was worthy of the sacrifices, which had been undergone. . ,

A representative meeting1 of BHlites and Antl-Billites resolved to cable to Mr Chamberlain emphatically protest; ingl against any limitation of the present 'right of- appeal to the Privy Council.

At a meeting of the Stock Exchange it was decided to cable to Mr Chamberlain strongly urging the tnainte? nance of an unfettered right of appeal to-the Soverei<ni-in-Council as the one final tribunal for the whole Empire. The Earl of Kimberley, dwelling upon the proposed reform of the Privy Council, which he regarded as a link of the Empire, said' it must be accepted by both sides and not imposed on onft alone. It would be better to sever the link than prevent the consummation of fjhe great work entrusted to the delegates. . Mr Deakin said constitutional recognition of the views of Australian eitlzens was best expressed by the acceptance of their ideal. The chief: obstacle to the Imperial Senate would be the reluctance of Britain to surren« der any powers now held. Mr bickson personally thought re* strictiou of the right of appeal might injure free interchange of commerce between the Motherland and the colonies. Queensland preferred the W} as it stood, but. rather than retard Imperial aspirations, would receive amendments so long as the Bill passed.

Mr Fysh said despite party cries, Australia was unanimous' for feder* ation. , \mong those present were Lord Tweedmouth, Mr Asquith. Mr Herbert Gladstone, Sir Henry Fowler, Mi James Bryce..and Lord Grey. .',. '. SYDNEY', this day. A. meeting of members, of the Bar cabled to Mr Chamberlain that any infringement of the present right of appeal to the Privy Council would be injurious to public interest.