FEDERAL CONVENTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10412, 9 April 1897, Page 5

FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Press AHpciatlnp.-Blectric T«|ef(rapn.-CopyTi([ht. Adelaide, April 8. The Constitutional and Finance Oommittees bare practically concluded their labours. The former has made provision to subtnib amendments of the constitution, after they have passed both Houses, to a referendum. It was also decided thab, as far as possible, members of the House of Representatives should bo in the proportion of two to one of the States Assembly.

A number of petitions hare been presented asking that the recognition of God as the Supreme Ruler of the Universe should be inserted in the preamble, but the committee declined to accede to the suggestion.

The Finance Committee resolved, with reference to the proportionment of the surplus, thab until a uniform tariff comes into operation, accounts shall be kept in the Federal Treasury, showing the revenue received, and from the balance then accruing there is to bo deducted on a per capita basis the proportion to bo paid by each State towards the expenditure arising out of the new machinery of the Federal Government. A proviso is inserted that the expenditure for the new machinery shall not exceed a certain sum, the amount not having yet been fixed. The levy is not to apply when a uniform tariff has come into operation. The surplus then remaining is to be returned by monthly instalments to the several States. A uniform tariff is to come into operation within' two years after tho establishment of the Commonwealth, and during tho first fire years of its existence the Federal Government is to continue to keep snoli accounts as will secure the distribution of the surplus to each Stateon the same basis as that adopted during the two years. At the end of five years the surplus distributions are to be on a per capita basis. Provision is also made for the Federal Parliament to assume the control of existing and future debts.