NEW ZEALAND AND FEDERATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXX, Issue 3825, 22 August 1899, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND AND FEDERATION.

PUBLIC OPINION ON THE QUESTION. “A Tory” writes from Marton as follows:—I venture to ask for a small space in your columns. The question of federation with Australia has been rather suddenly brought before the public. This is probably the most important question which has ever been raised in this colony. I have hoped, but hitherto to no purpose, to hear some statesmanlike arguments adduced in support of a measure of far reaching influence, which I should regard as likely to prove detrimental to the best interest and future welfare of New Zealand. Anyhow, it is a subject which deserves a thorough, if not an exhaustive treatment, before it is dealt with.

Apparently the commercial reason is the only one yet advanced. We are told that a seventli part of our exports are to Australia. I can seftno reason;to suppose that under their newsystem the federation will increase their duties on these. They will continue to import as usual. But 1 shall probably be told that under a system of open ports we should increase our exports; that may or not be the case. But even should our exports increase to some extent, the probability of that would scarcely be deemed a valid reason why New Zealand should sacrifice her independence for such an object—why slie should sell her birth-right for a mess of pottage—and a very small mess of pottage too. Again, from another point of view, if we sacrificed our duties on imports from Australia, the deficiency will have to be made up by increased duties on imports from the United Kingdom, which has always freely opened her ports to us. Snrely such a very important issue as that raised on federation with Australia requires the more careful consideration. It can scarcely be thought, as some have suggested, a fitting subject to he brought hurriedly in a crude form before the electors for their decision. Mr Seddon, li am glad to say, appears to take this view. The late Mr Ballance was decidedly opposed to federation. It is a subject which demands the most profound thought that the most experienced and competent statesmen in New Zealand can bestow upon it. It must he looked at from every aspect, and not regarded merely as the menus of possibly increasing our trade with Australia. 1 would further venture to say with all respect for their wise mode of dealing with these special duties, I hat chambers of commerce are not exactly the bodies tp deal most wisely with -such a political subject as federation. Excuse these few thoughts which are merely intended to draw attention to what I deem of extreme importance.

"Anxious” writes:—As great commercial influence is being brought to hear in Auckland and the other towns to hurry on Federation, I. as one of the large majority who do not understand the question or see elenrly its results, heg your assistance to enlighten ns. Please tell ns: 1. What, will he the effect on Wellington

j when Government House, the Civil Service, land a few little things of that sort are taken away? 2. Will there he any Ministry? Tf so will they he any better than a Town Council or Provincial Council ? Their law making will, of course, be overborne by federal legislation. 3. When any question arises of intercolonial interest will not the united votes, viz.. New South Wales 28, Victoria 25, etc., hear down New Zealand's 15 votes every time? * 4. If in all really important matters such as taxation, etc., we have 15 Federal Members will not the necessarily large electorates throw all power into the hands of the rich candidate? 5. Will onr factory hands and skilled trades relish the Chinese furniture imported free from Sydney, and the black labour of Queensland? G. Will the agriculturist who likes federation for selling his oats in New South Wales like the land tax and income tax, that will bear all the burden now borne by Customs ? [We are endeavouring to inform and direct public opinion on these and other points in connection with federation. — Editor “N.Z. Time*.’’]