LECTURE ON FEDERATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 45, 22 February 1901, Page 2

LECTURE ON FEDERATION.

At the Tailoresses' Hall, Cook-street, 3ast evening. Dr. Laishley delivered an address to the delegates of the Trade and Labour Council on "How Federation with the Commonwealth will fifiect New Zealand worker.. There was a good attendance and te lecturer was listened to with dose attention and awarded a hearty vote of thanks at the conclusion of the address. Dr. Laishley said it gave him great pleasure to accede to their request to address them, preparatory to the arrival of the Federal Commission, because the subject of Federation was the most important ever submitted to 2st 6W Zealand, and because the workers of this colony could practically dictatu what the report of the. Commission should be. As far as his information went, he was distinctly against Federation, but it was essential that the fullest information should be obtained before arriving at any conclusion. The colony could not have confidence in the Commission ac appointed, because, with possibly three exceptions, they were merely party appointments -"sops to the faithful." The Pre mier's will was represented by at least 7 out of 10 of his nominees—an overwhelming majority. only two of the memb. :; -s-the Hon Capt. Kussell and Mr T- W. Leys-had shown previous to nomination that they had studied the subject, or had any grasp of the situation. Altogether, the colony was starting an investigation with a disastrous handicap. The main arguments for Federation were:—3. That a protective tariff may be parsed against us by the Commonwealth if we do not federate; but this could probably be met by reciprocity arrangements. 2. That we mifcht suffer in naval and military defence through wanj of aid from the Commonwealth in time of need-a fallacious argument. 3. That we would be benefited, by being part of a powerful Confederation of similar race, religion, and aspirations; but the cry for us, "One hope, one race, one destiny," was utterly fallacious. On the other hand, the main arguments against *«deration were overwhelming:—l. lhat tne compact, once made, was irrevocable in which case the advantages should be abundantly clear, which they were not 2- That we would ignobly surrender our insular independence—an invaluable heritage. 3. That the Commonwealth tariff, with modified protection, or perhaps free trade, would very likely be ruinous for us, but reciprocity appeared feasible and desirable. 4. That the cost of living would be increased, both by the extra taxation and by higher prices of imported commodities. 5. That the abolition of the Privy Council appeal was very objectionable. 6. Maori questions were involved. 7. Federation would probably affect te workers' of the colony by depressing the labour market by extra competition, influx Ttf cheap goods, which must lowier wages and increase hours, and affect many industries, thus causing depopulation and stagnation. In concluding he advised the Council to appoint three workers to investigate the matter, both here and in Australia, and report to the Council.