THE FEDERATION MOVEMENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11541, 30 March 1898, Page 5

THE FEDERATION MOVEMENT.

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. LAUNCESTON, March 29. Sir E. C. N. Eraddon addressed a large meeting, strongly advocating the adoption of the Commonwealth Bill. Resolutions in favour of the measure were carried with enthusiasm. Beceired March 29, 9.30 p.m. SYDNEY, Mahch 29. Mr Eeid’s declaration in favour of the Federal Constitution Bill has struck constemation into a section of the Freetrade ranks, and there is loud talk of combination against the Government. The Telegraph refers to Mr Eeid’s c ex traordinary contortionist attitude ” on the Federal Bill, and says that Mr Eeid has been “straddling the federal rail ever since the Convention closed.” The Sydney Morning Herald says that if Mr Eeid had deserted it would have been a blow at the political life of the colony. Received March 30,12,40 a.m. MELBOUENE, Mahch 29. The Argus says that at heart Australia will be glad that Mr Eeid poses as a friend, not an enemy, of the Federal Bill. In the Convention Mr Eeid was the leader of the extreme democratic party. Having done his best to please his labour constituents, he now sees his way to declare for Australia.