THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 419, 7 September 1897, Page 3

THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

THE PROGRESS OF THE DEBATE. A DISTINCT ADVANCE TOWARDS FEDERATION. (Per Pras Association. —Copyruf,'if.) Sydney, Sept. 6. At the Federal Convention this morning Mr M'Millan said he was of opinion that they ought simply to propose some plan such as in the present bill for guaranteeing for the first five years a certain amount which would provide against a dislocation of provincial finances. Then as to the matter of debt and the matter of railways they ought to leave them absolutely in the hands of the Federal Parliament. Mr A. Deakin (Victoria) thought it was essential to fully perfect the government of these colonies that such enormous agencies as railways should be taken over by the Federation. With reference to the return of any surplus, he thought the Federation should guarantee the return of a sum equal to which any colony now present receives from sources which the Federal Government may take over; not for a period of five years, but for ► all time. This amount would prevent the dislocation of the local finances. One of the best forms this return could take would be for the Federation to take over equivalent portions of the States' debts. Continuing the debate after the luncheon adjournment, the Hon. J. Henry. Treasurer of Tasmania, favored leaving the permanent financial arrangements to the Federal Parliament. He would also leave the adjustment of the finances for the first five years to the same authority. Sir John Holder (Adelaide) strongly condemned the proposed book-keeping system between the colonies during the first five years: such a scheme would mean the postponement of the benefits of federation while it existed. The whole afternoon was spent on the financial discussion. The Hon. E. Barton, in moving to report progress, said he noticed a distinct advance in the Federal feeling in the present debate and a keen understgifeg of the criticism adthe interim between the two Conventions. After the preseiit week the Convention will sit in the evenings. This Day. Yerterday's discussion in the Convention was marked by a desire to leave more and more to the Federal Parliament. At any rate the parochial m views held at the Adelaide convention were giving way to a wider understanding of the subjects.

CABLES.