THE Ellesmere Guardian WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1899. FEDERATION.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XX, Issue 2072, 26 July 1899, Page 2

THE Ellesmere Guardian WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1899. FEDERATION.

Mr C. Ensor, tlio chairman of the Farmers' Cooperative Association, at its annual meeting dwelt upon the probable effects oE Federation on New Zealand. Federation — Australian Federation that is — is not yet accomplished, but it would be well for us to consider now and then the effects of such a contingency upon our Australian trade. At present mu ch of our smaller agricultural products find their way to Australian ports, Australian prices materially affect our markets, and, m the event of complete Australian Federation — that is, without including Ne iv Zealand — there would be a rcry great possibility of an agitation being commenced against the free importation of those articles we n<>w so largely export to our Australian sister colonies. Any impost placed upon our trade would seriously handicap our smaller settlers, whoso produce finds its markets on the other side. ISo Federation, when it comes to pass, must ultimately affect our colony. The advantages of Feder* at ion are many*united m defence with a common ]nw and a common government, presenting one front to the world, and forming an important factor of a common wealth with most wonderful possibilities for good b I- fore it, the advantages cannot begainsayed,and they should bo seriously considered.