FEDERATION.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9019, 4 February 1895, Page 5

FEDERATION.

THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Press Association—By TelegJaph—Copyright

Hobabt, February 2. The Federal Council concluded its labours late last night. One of the last motions was in opposition to the motion carried at the Premiers' Conference, that the Commonwealth Bill of 1891 should be considered at the earliest possible moment by the several Parliaments. The Victorian Delegates spoke strongly against the latter motion, which may be taken as an indication that Victoria will go hand-in-hand with New South Wales, and possibly drop out of the Federal Council, which would then comprise only Tasmania and Western Australia.

The Federal Council adopted motions favouring the appointment of an Australian Judge on the Privy Council, the early consideration of the Commonwealth Bill by the various Parliaments, and the summoning of a second Convention. The Hons. Deakin and Turner, of Victoria, considered the last motion unnecessary, in view of the decision arrived at by the Premiers' Conference, and suggested its withdrawal. The motion, however, on being put, was carried, the Victorian delegates withdrawing. Hobart was fixed on for the next meeting of the Federal Council. ■

Sydney, February 2. In the course of an interview with the representative of a local paper, Sir Henry Parkes said the Federal Council, though unfortunately constructed, was a tangible reality, while the Conference of Premiers was a mere vapour, and very foul vapour at that. He thought it certain that no Australian Parliament would ratify what it proposed. He thought if placed in capable hands the federation of the Australian colonies could be easily effected.

Paris, February 2. Le Temps, referring to the Hobart Conference, alleges that the outlines of the United States of Australia are already discernible, which will be an immense success for Imperialism and an undivided empire.

London, February 2. Despite the jealousy with regard to the Federal Council, The Times considers it has proved sound, and that Australian opinion favours a practicable scheme of federation, delegating continental powers to the central Government and reserving full provincial powers to the provincial Governments. It assumes that the attitude of the Premiers guarantees an early passage of an enabling Bill by the respective Legislatures authorising extra Parliamentary action.