THE COLONIES AND THE WAR.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11153, 20 December 1901, Page 5

THE COLONIES AND THE WAR.

ATTITUDE OF AUSTRALIA.

STATES WILL PKOBABLY TAKE

ACTION.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegrepli—Copyright. (Received December Iflifch, 10.30 *.m.) MELBOUBNE, December 19In the AesemWy && Val* moved that tit* House regretted that t&e Federal Governraenfc fead declined to offer tbe Imperial Goreromeot, unasked, the services of an Aostrali&n contingent for South Africa. Tiie Premier, whilst disapproving tie wording of the motion, a* conveying oen»ore on the Federal Government, epofce strongly in favour of the colonies aseatjag tbe Mother C&untry. At the last meet&ag of tie Cabinet bo bad been instructed to open negotiation* with the Pivrokre of otber Statee to obtain »n expression of opinion on th« eabjecfc. Hβ hoped the Parliaments BtHi sitting would express similar views to those of tlte Victorian Assen&iy. They would «3m>w t3»e B<h»8 «ad those encouraging them that it was absolutely tmtrue that the colonies regretted eeoding men to asei»t tbe Empire. Tbe motion, in an amended form, expreemng the hope that the Federal GoTerniment if odd eend a eonia»g i e»t, wae carried. BBISBANE, December 19. The Premier 3ja« - received a telegram from the Victorian Premier stating that in the event of tiie Federal Government not taking afcepe to send a contingent, Victoria is prepesred to take action. Mr PhSp will telegrapb th« New South, Wales Pwmier vuggeebwg that all the States Should join in the movement.