The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JANUARY 18, 1901. NEW ZEALAND AND FEDERATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 14, 18 January 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JANUARY 18, 1901. NEW ZEALAND AND FEDERATION.

The speech delivered at Maitland last night by the Hon. E. Barton, the Federal leader —a resume of which appears in the Times cables of to-day—-the importance of the . subject of the federation of the Australasian colonies, and the free and independent action of New Zealand in connection therewith, render the question one of the most interesting, though somewhat complex, that has been brought before our legislators. It has been hinted that on the matter of establishing a fiscal tariff trouble will arise, and unless the intercolonial dissensions existing between New South Wales and Victoria have disappeared with the inauguration of Australasia’s new era, we are inclined not to entirely discredit the rumor, though the Hon. Mr Barton endeavors to minimise the difficulty. When it is proved in a practical way that the hitherto conflicting commercial interests have been eliminated ; that the sympathetic and sentimental wave of colonial feeling that resulted in the linking of Australia’s colonies is not the temporary outburst of a nation, but is the permanent conviction of a federated race willing, na^ : anxious, to stand shoulder to shoulder in the shaping of a nation’s destiny; when international jealousies and their resultant strife fade away before an open-hearted and unselfish amalgamation and the drawing up of a universal and general commercial federation ; the advantage to our colony of participation in the proposed union of Australia’s colonies will become more apparent, more convincing, than at present. A superficial examination of such an important question, a hasty decision based on incomplete evidence, might completely wreck the progress of.our colony, and plunge New Zealand into a state of disappointment and depression inimical to our best interests, which at the present time we jealously and honestly .Our position is quite unique. Community of interest is of course of paramount importance, but it would not be meet to allow sympathy and sentiment to weigh even equally in the scale with the commercial interests and industrial progress of our colony. Even with a federated Australia New Zealand is undoubtedly resourceful enough to stand aloof for the nonce, and watch the result of a nation’s experiment. Possibly some of the results of our independent action might prove harmful, particularly if the federated states looked upon our action with disapproval and sought by legislation hostile to our progress to wage war against our commercial interests. But the Australian States, though regretting New Zealand's non-participation in the general movement, practically acquiesce to the contention that this colony is so peculiarly situated, being part of Australasia, yet standing alone, that our investigations must be conducted not on common, but on independent and individual lines before the advantages to us, if any are accruing, become convincing, or even apparent. We are satisfied that New Zealand is acting with circumspection in looking well before it leaps, for once the bound be made it would be almost impossible to recede. Many advantages make themselves apparent even after a cursory examination of all the reliable information that so far has been obtained. Per contra ther? are distinct advan-

tages, peculiarly of great commercia value to this colony, that might have to be foregone by New Zealand under a federal administration. In the great question of readjustment of commercial interests and requirements involved in the taking of such an important step, it is advisable—nay, in the interests of the inhabitants of this progressive colony, absolutely necessary— that the present smooth and enticing waters of the Sea of Federation should be carefully sounded by New Zealand before our trusty ship be launched. For perchance the alluring reflection of the smiling sun that sends its pleasing rays on the waters of the Southern Cross but dazzles the eye and hides the dangerous rocks waiting, wailing, to do their fell work when the storm of dissension arises, and lashes the peaceful sea of to-day into a turbulent tide, hurling its helpless burdens against its hidden dangers.