CABLE NEWS. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH-. COPYRIGHT.] FEDERATED AUSTRALIA.

Evening Post, Volume LXI, Issue 85, 12 April 1901, Page 5

CABLE NEWS. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH-. COPYRIGHT.] FEDERATED AUSTRALIA.

MEETING OF THE CABINET. REPRESENTATION OF TASMANIA. llritKas A&riOUUTION.I MELBOURNE, 11th April. Aftor Mr. Barton had visited Lord Hopetoun today a short sitting of the Federal Cabinet was held. Sir George Turner was not present, owing to indisposition. Tho principal matter dealt with was an enquiry from Mr. Chamberlain as to whether there was any objection to Boerprisoners being interned in Tasmania until the end of the Avar. Tasmania raised no objection, but the Cabinet decided to inform Mr. Chamberlain that it is not considered to be in the interests of the Commonwealth to receive prisoners. The Federal Ministers will visit Parliament House and the Exhibition Buildings to decide which is most suitable for housing the Federal Parliament, which will probably sit on four days a week, meeting at two o'clock in the afternoon HOBART, 11th April. The Hon. N. E. Lewis, Premier of Tasmania (Federal Minister without portfolio), has asked to be relieved from attending Federal Cabinet meetings. It is probable that Sir Philip Fysh will be appointed to the honorary portfolio held by Mr. Lewis. MR. REID AND THE STATE PARMENT. HE RESIGNS HIS LEADERSHIP. (Received April 12, 10.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Consequent on entering Federal politics, the Right Hon. G. H. Reid has resigned the leadership of the Opposition in the State Parliament. Members eulogised his leadership at a meeting of the Federal Free Trade and Liberal Committee, held to consider the question of continuing the organisation for future election work. Mr. Reid; made a speech in the course of which he said that Freetraders had captured the Federal Senate and very nearly captured the House. He predicted that in time they would secure for the Commonwealth the most sound and liberal tariff in the world. Mr. Reid and other speakers condemned the methods of appointing the Hon. J. L. Fegan to a Federal Secretaryship. MR. FEGAN'S APPOINTMENT. GENERAL HoiilLE CRITICISM. (Received April 12, 10.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Sir William Lyne is surprised at the hostile criticism on Mr. Fegan's appointment, and thinks the critics are speaking without knowledge. "* ■ ADELAIDE, This Day. The Register, commenting on tho appointment of Mr. Fegan, says even the most indulgent critics will find it impossible to endorse Sir William- Lyne's action.' BRISBANE, This Day. The Courier says that if tne appointment is allowed the example will be followed by other Ministers to' secure' support. It is the. worst form of patronage in 'every way, is indefensible, an injustice to the public service of all the State, a reflection on the purity of political life, and an insult to Australia. THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, NEW ZEALAND'S REPRESENTATION. 4 WILL COLONEL' ROBIN AND HIS MEN PARTICIPATE? In a circular issued to the Wellington Garrison the Defence Department gives details concerning the selection of men for the Federal Parliament Representative Corps. Frpm the Wellington district 41 men are to be selected for the Commonwealth festivities, and 1 the corps will have the following ratio:—lnfantry four men; mounted infantry, four men ; na-vals, five men j Permanent' force, eight men; Highlanders, ten men; natives, ten men. The circular stipulates that each man selected shall <be six feet in height and of "proportionate bulk." Wellington is behind the South in its selection of men, as some of the Southerners are expected to reach - Christchurch today. It is probable that Colonel Penton will' accompany the corps to Melbourne, but his staff officers have not yet been appointed. The .North Island representatives will assemble in Wellington before proceeding to Christchurch, and the corps is expected 'to leave Lyttelton on the 26th inst. . It has been hinted in town that the Premier has thoughts of securing a bi^ display of New Zealanders after all at the opening of the Federal Parliament. The 300 members of our South African Contingents who are returning home on the Tongarairo under Lieutenant Robin are due in Sydney at the end of this •month. -With a fortnight's delay the whole paity .wouldi be able to take part in the Melbourne parade, and Premier Seddc-n and New Zealand would yet again "come out on top" in an effective and impressive display. No hint of this proposal has, we learn, reached £he officials of the Defence Department, but more unlikely things have happened. THE ADELAIDE REGISTER ON NEW ZEALAND'S POSITION. (Received April 12, 9.55 a.m.) ADELAIDE, This Day. The Register, commenting on the arrival of the Commission and the evidence it has taken in New Zealand and other colonies, says: —''While recognising the full force of the sentimental argument in favour of union, and entertaining admiration and esteem for the marked, indi^ ! viduality and nobility of New Zealanders, we are bound to say that in our judgment the case for the enlargement of the Commonwealth is not at present proved.' The onus of showing the necessity of widening tire area of its jurisdiction does not rest on Australia. If, immediately or later, New Zealanders ask to be admitted to the Commonwealth on terms to' be mutually agreed upon, they may be sure the application will receive earnest and sympathetic consideration. Meantime the policy of the Federal Government will be to prompte'those feelings of goodwill and amity which should exist between two great co-operat-ing countries. A POPULAR RAILWAY MANAGER. (Received April 12, 10.10 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Duy. Lord Hopetoun has been presented with numerous congratulatory addresses on the appointment of Mr. Fitzpatrick, Chief Traffic Manager, who was appointed Acting Commissioner of Railways after Mr. Mathieson's departure for England, where he has accepted an important position.