Australian Federation.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6700, 18 May 1900, Page 3

Australian Federation.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Per Press Association.) °

Adelaide, May 17. The Premier stated he was extremely disappointed that it was found necessary to amend the Commonwealth Bill.

Mr Symons, one of the Federal Convention Delegates, in an address on ' Federation, referred to Mr Chamber- j lain's attempt to feel the pulse of the Australian people after he had failed to bind Delegates and the Premiers to his v ill, They had been thwarted and embafflassed bv the anti-Federalists, a noisy ■pttrse-proud minority, and two or three -judges forgetful of what was due to their judical office. He describes Lord Lamington as a " pulse-feeler-in-chief " and strongly condemns the actions of Lamington and the Chief Justices Way and Griffith. He deplored to find Justice Way labouring to depreciate an Australian Court and tlie ladder by which he had climbed to the haven' of the Privy Council. (Received May 18, at 9.45 a.m.) Perth, May IS. A special federal session bas opened. The Legislative Assembly read the Enabling Bill the first time and the second reading was fixed for Wednesday.

Adelaide, May 17. In a communication to the press Chief Justice Way deals with the criticism passed by the Hon C. C. Kingston in London with regard to his attitude towards Privy Council appeals. The Chief Justice explains that in writing a confidential letter to friends in England and America in January last he employed the following words :— '• Although desirous that the Bill should speedily come into successful operation, I am hopeful that clause 74, which in no way affects the general principles of the measure, will be amended so as to make it consistent with permanent union between the Mother Country and Australia and with the best interests of the cominf Commonwealth." °