THE COLONIES AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9437, 7 August 1889, Page 5

THE COLONIES AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

In the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, on July 30, Mr. Traill inquired of the Colonial Secretary whether it was the case that the Premier of Tasmania had taken the initiative with regard to concerted action on the part of all the Australian colonies in reference to the affairs of Western Australia. Sir Henry Parkes said he was glad to have tho opportunity of stating what had been done. A communication was opened with this Government by South Australia some days ago, asking whether this Government, was in favour of the colonies acting in concert with regard to Western Australia, lie replied to the effect that this Government would be happy to act in concert with the other colonies, but they must first know definitely what they were to act in concert, about. Since then communications had taken place between this Government and the whole of the other colonies, with the exception of New Zealand. On Monday this Government addressed a circular despatch to the Governments of the whole of the other colonies. Generally speaking, the views of this Government were that the Western Australian Enabling Bill, within its four corners, did not by any means cover all the difficulties of the case ; but until they saw exactly what was proposed it was difficult to act in concert. But they had suggested a conference to all the colonies, and if'that course could not be taken, then there would be a comparison of views by letter. It was in the interest of the whole of the Australian colonies to preserve the soil of the whole of the continent for the purpose of a free Government, and as far as the influence and authority of this Government could extend it would be exercised in that direction. They were extremely anxious that Western Australia should, without loss of time, receive a constitution similar to that of other parts of the continent, and they were not anxious that some new Crown colony should be created out of her territory ; on the contrary, they saw very great danger in any such step as that. he should have no objection to lay all the papers in connection with this matter before the .House.