FEDERATION.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9020, 5 February 1895, Page 5

FEDERATION.

' THE HOBABT CONFERENCES. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright London, February 8. The Observer considers the resolutions passed at Hobart show that the desire for the, federation of Australia has passed'ieyond the region ot controversy. It wipjite interesting to watch the to resort to the referendum iii /Connection with the Federal constitution. *

I Melbourne, February 4. The Argus says the confusion at Hobart suggests the unfitness of some of the present leaders in federal matters for the work that lies before them. A broad road is ahead when once the stream is crossed,-but if the bridge-builders are petty-minded and jealous we shall have no bridge. It is to. the credit of nearly all the Premiers that we are able to say they have been conciliatory throughout. The basis of election of the Convention by -Jjhe people must be considered acceptable, as it recognises the necessity or 1 beginning at the beginning, but the limitation of the number of members from each colony to ten is regarded as questionable, there being danger that all the ten will be elected on a ticket of the easily worked minority in the cities. .A]large gathering of true representatives is, more likely to provide good work than a small body composed very probably of political filibusters.

Hobabt, February 4. , The Union Steamship Company of New Zealand entertained the Federal Council delegates, the Premiers of the various colonies, and the Postal representatives by 4i trip to Port Arthur.