FEDERATION.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7166, 18 February 1901, Page 3

FEDERATION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — The all-absorbing topic at the present moment with a great number is shall we (New Zealand) join the Commonwealth? federate with 'the other Colonies, My opinion is that there is no great advantages to be gained by doing so. One reason for believing we should not is this, that unless a Radical change has taken place during tho last fow years, as regards their most pro* mioent Legislators, whose moral tone was far lower down the scale than any whoever held the reins of Government here, either Conservative or Liberal, unless then, I say, they have passed through a purer and more cleansing political atmosphere, we had better remain as we are, otherwise when we proceed to tbe division of the spoil the aforementioned would treat us in New Zealand as a mere appendage, who would receive as it were the crumbs from the rich man's table, and as far as our commercial interests | are concerned, with a stiff protective tariff we need have no fear. Now notice the inconsistency of some of the leading figures over the other side, when first the report wont forth that Maoriland intended to send forth men to spy out the land. With reference to the South Sea Islands, they ridiculed the very idea, of no value, etc. ; however when there was a likelihood of the same IslaudsbeinganneKed, then they thought we had better not be too hasty, and without having any desire to make a sweeping assertion, yet I say as long as leaders are selected from the legal profession who by the way make a science of financing, so long had we better remain as we are. —I am, &o. Ignoramus. Palmerston North, February 16th, 1901.