The Federal Convention.

Inangahua Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1202, 17 April 1897, Page 2

The Federal Convention.

(peb press association}. (b:*-teleghaph— copyright). Adelaide April 15, On ft division this afternoon the amendment destroying equal representation in the Senate, found only four supporters, and there is no doubt'that the bu'k voted for the retention oil the principle on the understanding .thaVtbj safety valve to protect the majGrity against the minority will be introduced, In bhe Bill the clauses relating to .the machinery of the Senate passed with* out vital amendment. The clausa relating to the House is now under discussion. April 1S- J At tbe evening sitting on Thursday, Mr Holder, of Adelaide, sought to bay« the woman's suffrage included in the qualification for tbe electors in South Australia. Nuw Zealand Was quoieo as a striking example of tbe euocesi of the reform, but the Conrention would j have none of it, especially as only ..two ' oolonies out of seven had made the experiment. It rejected the amendment by two to oue. South Australia contended w-irmly against the Federal Parliament having power to disfranchise Australian women by not adopt* ing the adult suffrage in tbo Federation. An amendment to prevent this contingency was adopted. A large. number of machinery cltuies were got through with purely minor amendment*, the Convention rifihg.afc midnight. Rao 10 am. The newepapelca ta¥e^E gloomy view '*-— * of tbe federation, and state there is no possibility of Tasmania joining the union with the. finances in the hands of New South Wales and Viotoria. Three Tasmanian delegates who voted with the large Sta tes are stigmatised as traitors to State rights.