The Federal Commission.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 75, 3 April 1901, Page 2

The Federal Commission.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, April 2, The New Zealand Federal Commission takes evidence to-day. Colonol Pitt states that Mr Barton assured him that if New Zealand docidod to come in she might do so as an original State. (By Telegraph—Press Association'.) Auckland, last night. The Star’s special correspondent'with the Federation Commission writes stating that in Sydney they obtained a large amount of information of a very’valuable kind, showing the position New Zealand would occupy as a State of the Commonwealth. The Commissioners visited the Agricultural College at Ilawkesbury and took evidence as to the cost of raising wheat and other crops in New South Wales, and the outlook for future markets for New Zealand farm products .in that State. A majority of the witnesses were favorable to New Zealand entering the Commonwealth. The proceedings of the Commission received very little attention. The desire for a New Zealand alliance, if it exists at all, is of a very theoretical character. Details are not available of the conferences, with the Federal and State Ministers, hut it is understood that none of the witnesses hold out much hope of a reciprocal treaty if New Zealand declines to enter the Federation.