THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 297, 14 April 1897, Page 3

THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

i I't f I'rt-.s '>>}>>/ri<i/it.) Adelaide, April 13. At the Convention the greater portion of the morning was occupied by the wording of money clauses, and the debate resolved itself into a content between the large and small states, so much so that it appeared at times that the result of the Convention would be iibortive. Equal power was claimed by the states, and a decision on the point has not been arrived at. The word '• Senate" was substituted for that of State Assembly. This day. If the Hon. G. Reid's proposal to amend the clause of the constitution by disallowing the Senate to amend money bills is defeated, as is almost certain, although by a narrow majority, and if the larger states be gained after the Western Australian delegates leave by carrying the amendment, by striking out equal representation in the Senate, so that the whole Senate may have power to amend money bills, the small states will find themselves with a minority in the representation. After yesterday evening's debate some of the members of the smaller states are wavering, and three delegates have given their allegiance to the large states, but unless further defections occur Mr Reid's amendment must be lost.