FEDERATION COMMISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11618, 4 April 1901, Page 5

FEDERATION COMMISSION.

Evidence in Tasmania AND victoria. By Telegraph.-Press Association.-Copyright, Sydney, April 3. The New Zealand Federation Commission are on a visit to Tasmania. They were welcomed by the Colonial Secretary. Among the witnesses examined were Mr. Lewis (Premier), Mr. Bird (Colonial Treasurer), Mr. Justice Clarke, Mr. Henry Dobson, Mr. Burgess, Sir E, Braddon, and Mr. Johnston (Government Statistician). The evidence was valuable, as showing the financial difficulties in which the State is involved through loss of control of Customs and excise duties. It was admitted by all the witnesses that, even to cover existing engagements, Tasmania would have to levy a considerable amount .of direct taxation, and that all public works must come to a standstill unless the people are willing to submit to further levies in this direction. (Received April 3, 6.4 p.m.) Melbourne, April 3. The Federation Commission examined the Chief Inspector' of Factories With reference to wages paid and the condition of workers in Victoria. Mr. Martin, Secretary of Agriculture, thought it more likely New Zealand would be flooding Australia with Algerian oats than vice versa. Captain Collins, Secretary of Defence, was also examined. (Received April 4, 1.16 a.m.) Meliiotthne, April 3.

The Premier, Mr. Peacocke, gave evidence before the Federal Commission. It is understood he pointed out how mutually advantageous it would be for New Zealand to join. She would gain from a trade point of view, while the leaven of progressiveness which she would introduce would be beneficial to the Commonwealth. He pointed out that New Zealand might lay down as a condition of joining that she should, on account of her geographical position, have a right to legislate exclusively, on some of the 39 matters provided for in the Commonwealth Act. He instanced old age pensions, and control of inland posts and telegraphs. He considered this possible on the interpretation section 121. Asked how he thought the Federal Parliament would be likely to allow New Zealand representatives to vote on matters which New Zealand as a Stale had an exclusive right to legislate on, Mr. Peacocke replied that could be arranged also. Questioned respecting the financial system and the Wisdom of the provision in section 96, for granting financial assistance to States during the first ten years, Mr. Peacocke, it is understood, said that* the people of United Australia would be interested in the welfare of all parts, and that it would be natural and proper they should give temporary assistance to a State in difficulties. Touched on defence, he said as the Commonwealth and New Zealand grew more and more prosperous it would b necessary to protect them adequately. The The auxiliary squadron would have to be strengthened, and the Commonwealth and New Zealand should have a common scheme of defence. If New Zealand did not join be expressed the opinion there ought not to be much difficulty in arranging a trade reciprocity treaty. He gave a lot of information about the Factories Act, its working, and the wages paid.

FARMERS AND FEDERATION. rtlY telegraph.— ASSOCIATION.] L CHRISTCHimCH, Wednesday. At a meeting of the General Committee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association today, the question of federation arose ■■ on the 'appointment of delegates to the conference to be held shortly. The president thought it advisable, that, the delegates should have same indication of the feelings of the committee, and took a show of hands. Only one hand was held up in favour of federation. The other side of the question was nob put. ~