REPLY TO MR FOWLDS.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 269, 18 May 1907, Page 4

REPLY TO MR FOWLDS.

[BT OLECTRIO TSLSORAFB —COPYBIGHT.J [PBB PBBB6 ASSOCIATION.] Melbourne, May 17. Mr Groom, Federal AttorneyGeneral, characterised the statements reported to have been made at Wellington by Mr Fowlds as "certainly most remarkable. Perhaps Mr Fowlds will realise when he gets in closer touch with Sir Joseph Ward that there is a closer identity of aim between him and Mr Deakin than he appears to have any idea of at present. Australia never attempted to dictate what shall be the policy of . Britain, but Australians always have, . and I hope always will have, no hesir tation in stating what their beliefs and ideas on matters of Imperial concern which directly or indirectly affect Australia, are. As regards the statement that if the policy adopted f by the Australian Prime Minister is 1 to be continued a party in favor of severance from the colonies will grow up, all I can say is that any action taken by the Australian Ministers has been inspired by the loftiest ideals ; and thoughts for unity of the Empire. The general trend of Sir W. Lyne's views is in accord with the ideas and sentiments of the vast ma- [ jority of the people of Australia. The . allegation that he was an uninvited i guest at the Conference is absolutely baseless, and probably will be re- ' sented by the Imperial authorities ' themselves. No matter what may be said as regards the following of Mr Deakin the fact remains that he, as Prime Minister, when he left our shores, possessed the full confidence , of the Australian people. The only . explanation of Mr Fowlds' extraor- ; dinary remarks is that they arise from preconceived opinions and want of knowledge of Australian condi- > tions."