THE BRADDON CLAUSE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12477, 12 April 1906, Page 7

THE BRADDON CLAUSE.

THE FEDERAL CAPITAL SITE.

United Pn» Aeeodertion-JBy Electric Telegnph—Copyright SYDNEY, April 11. Whilst the Premiers' Conference reaffirmed the resolutions regarding the Braddon clause, it also reoommended the clause of the draft Bill of 1897, which limits the Commonwealth expenditure out of the Customs and excise revenue, to one-fourth of the net total, and the clause providing for State debts to be transferred to the Common wealth, which also provides tiwt interest ehalt be paid out of surplus revenue. Mr Deakin, the Federal Premier, expressed regret that no definite sum had been. agreed upon in regard to the Braddon clause. He said he had hoped the Conference would agree either to a definite sum for all time, or to an amount subject to re-assessment from time to time. He, however, accepted the proposals as representing the mature views of the States, and ho would make no attempt to oonvinoe them that any other course should have been followed.

Mr Deakin has returned to Melbourne.

The Premkre last night were the guests of the Lord Mayor at a dinner. The speeches delivered emphasised that on understanding had been come to which would enable the States to work well together.

The Hon. Thomas Bent, the Victorian Premier, suggested that the Federal Parliament be located for ten years each in Melbourne and Sydney. At the end of that time they might be in a position to epend money for a Federal Capital site.

Amongst the suggestion* made by the Premiere to Mr Deakin was that he should, at the next election, refer the question of making the Braddon clause perpetual to the people of the Commonwealth.

The "Sydney Morning Herald" says theft the decision, of the Conference in regard to the clause does not advance matters much beyond demonstrating that a point hag been reached whereat the Federal and State authorities have agreed to differ. The conflict of interests is co direct that not much else could have been expected. The States have put their foot down, insisting on the Hobart resolution, which favours an indefinite extension, fteyond ten years—the period of the clause's operation. '