THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11225, 24 March 1897, Page 5

THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

THE CAUCUS OF DELEGATES THE SECOND DAY’S SITTING. CONDITIONS OF FEDERATION. [Feb Press Association.] ’ ADELAIDE. Mabch 23. Prom all accounts, yesterday’s caucus ot. delegates was not a particularly happy family, and at times the proceedings became so animated that several members threatened to withdraw. The Radical element from Victoria was much in evidence, and expressed a determination not to accept a constitution framed by anyone but themselves; in fact, ignoring the work of the Sydney Convention altogether. The Tasmanian delegates supported a proposal to take the Bill of 1891 as a basis, and argued that it could be amended in any direction that the Convention desired, that it would save a great deal more time than if the resolutions were debated and a new constitution drafted. The New South Wales representatives were hopelessly divided on the question of retaining or rejecting the Bill. The Hon G. S. Reid strongly favoured the old Bill, but Messrs Barton and Lyne strongly opposed such a course. The Federal Convention resumed to-day, and will sit from 10.30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m, daily, Saturdays and Sundays excepted; Mr Barton moved the suspension of the Standing Orders to permit moving, without notice, certain resolutions to be afterwards drafted by a Select Committee. Ho suggested that the Convention should not take the Commonwealth Bill of 1891 for guide or master. Although he believed that, with certain alterations in financial conditions, that Bill was one on which the colonies could safely federate, still it was not the best measure that could be devised. The people had elected the Convention without laying down any condition that the Sydney Bill should be accepted as the basis. He believed that it was the people’s desire that the present Convention should initiate a constitution. No doubt the best portions of the Commonwealth Bill would find their way into the new measure, a result which would be the best indication of the work done in Sydney. Sir George Turner suggested that instead of a Select Committee being appointed to draft the resolutions, Mr Barton should be asked to undertake the task. Mr- Symou (Adelaide) went a step further, and urged the Convention to elect Mr Barton leader of the House. Mr Reid quite approved of this course, but contended that the people did not object to the old Bill being taken as groundwork, but he thought that the people of Australia would be more satisfied if a course were adopted which would

•cable them to follow tbe alterations in a Bill with, which they were already familiar. After further discussion, the Convention to make Mr Barton leader, and adjourned till the afternoon to enable him to submit resolutions.