THE FEDERATION COMMISSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11582, 21 February 1901, Page 6

THE FEDERATION COMMISSION

[BY TFXEGHAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CniiißTcnr/RCK, Wednesday. The Federation Commission resumed its sittings to-day.

Mr. G. S. Jakins was under examination again for the greater part of the morning. His evidence was in favour of federation.

Sir John Hall was next called. He repeated a previous argument used by him, that the 1200 miles of sea presented 1200 reasons why New Zealand should not federate with Australia.

Mr. A. W. Beaven, of Andrews and T>eaven, strongly supported New Zealand joining the Commonwealth, as it would mean the distribution of another £2,000,000 amongst our small farmers. If possible New Zealand should try to get in on the same terms as West Australia.

Mr. John Scott Meyers, fanner, did not think federation would pay. As a grower of onions he did not think the trade would be ruined unless the colony joined the federation, and he did not think small farmers generally would suffer.

Mr. J. A. McCulloch, tinsmith, representing the Trades ami Labour Council, read a resolution passed by that body to effect that federation, was noh desirable in the interests of the workers.

Mr. Jas. Young, bootmaker, coincided with the last witness. ,

Mr. A. E. G. Rhode?, barrister, thought the producers of oats and roots would suffer if the colony stood out. Agriculturalists generally would also suffer as well as the milling industry.

Mr. Walter Newton, upholsterer, thought the loss of the whole of the Australian trade would not. affect the colony much. His trade was strongly opposed to federation, as Sydney could produce furniture made' InChinese who worked 70 hours a week for 25s Under federation this colony would be at the mercy of the Chinese. At present a good deal of this furniture came here, and under freetrade the results would lie simply disastrous. He was also opposed to federation politically. Mr. John Lee Scott, engineer, considered lederation would ultimately be for the -rood of this colony. In his opinion. New Zealand was destined to become a great manufacturing country. It had coal, minerals, and water-power in abundance, while its labourers*were superior to those of Australia. Superior productive power per man would more than balance the difference in wages. It must benefit the'colony to have such a large market as Australia. It was selfish to refuse to join, and the colony should try to leaven the whole Commonwealth with better labour conditions" -Australia was already following New Zealand's lead, and this colony .vould not be dragged ba-ck.

At a poorly-attended meeting of farmers to-day. called by the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, to discuss federation, the following resolution was carried : "That the various agricultural and pastoral associations throughout Canterbury, should be requested to convene a meeting ot farmers with a view to discussing the question of federation, and appointing delegates to attend* a central meeting to be held during March.