The Lyttelton Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1897. THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11210, 6 March 1897, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1897. THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

So far as can be judged from the incomplete returns of the Federal Convention elections that have taken place simultaneously in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, the people of these colonies have taken a lively and intelligent interest in the choice of the men who are to be entrusted with the task of framing a constitution for the Australian Commonwealth. The men who have received the largest support are, generally speaking, the leading politicians in their respective colonies, and they include the most earnest advocates of federation. Mr Reid, the Premier of New South Wales, at whose instigation the idea of a popularly- elected convention was adopted, is of course among the successful candidates, and it is pleasant to find associated with him several of his political opponents, including Mr Lyne, the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, who is as ardent a federationist as the Premier himself. In Victoria, the same absence of ordinary party lines is noticeable in scanning the list of those likely to bo elected. Sir George Turner, the Premier, has for companions Mr Peacock, a prominent Opposition member of the Upper House; Mr Treuwith, the well-known Labour leader; Sir William Zeal, President of the Legislative Council ; Sir Graham Berry and other well-known politicians. The result shows how unfounded were the fears expressed by Mr Neild, M.L.A., in bis recent address at the Imperial Institute, that the Convention “ would consist largely of amateur politicians,” who would makea bungle of the work entrusted to them. South and Western Australia have yet to elect ten members each, but it is already assured that there will be a large preponderance of able and experienced statesmen at the Federal Convention when'it meets, in a few wfeeks’ time. The absence of Cardinal Moran will be regretted by many whose patriotism is not narrowed by religious differences. At the Bathurst Convention in December last, the Cardinal gave an address on federation which, in the words of the Australian Star , “ touched heights of eloquence and Christian patriotism which characterise him as the exponent of all that is highest and best in federal aspirations.” As though anticipating the objections that have since been so vehemently urged to himself, he then long before his candidature had been suggested deprecated “ foolish dissensions” on religious- questions, and said that his advice to the Catholic people was : “Go hand in hand with your Protestant fellowcitizens in every measure that may have for its purpose to advance the interests, to develop the resources, or promote the welfare of Australia! ” It seems poor requital for these sentiments that his Eminence should have been rejected at the polls; but the result is significant of the marked colonial dislike to clerical dignitaries of any rank stepping out of their special sphere. It may, in a lesser degree, show the persistence of sectarian intolerance among people who, in ordinary circumstances, are ready to sink religious differences. The absence of Queensland from the federal movement is also a matter for regret; but a way may yet be found to secure tbat colony’s inclusion, though at present the difficulty arising from divergence of interest on the question : of coloured immigration seems insurmountable. It is well to remember, meanwhile, that the present proceedings are only preliminary, for the constitution of the proposed Commonwealth has, after being framed by the Convention, to be submitted to each of the Parliaments concerned, reconsidered by the Convention, and finally submitted to a referendum vote of the people, before the work of federation is complete. There is ample room, it will be seen, for disagreement and of the proposal; but we in New Zealand have generally no other wish than that Australian union may be consummated on satisfactory lines, and may prove conducive to the prosperity, security, and happiness of the people.