AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4082, 21 June 1900, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS.

VIEWS OF VARIOUS MEiUuEKS

June 49. In the debate on the committal of_ the Commonwealth Bill in the House of Commons, Mr Haldane, 51. P. for Haddington, and author of the scheme ior the amalgamation of the Imperial Appeal tribunals, complained that- Mr Chamberlain had omitted all reference to public interests outside Australia in substituting a - definition that precluded the Privy Council from reviewing some questions of great Imperial moment.

Sir Robert'Finlay. Attorney-General, denied that the delegates had been conceded more than they .had asked for. It was inconceivable that the Federal High Court would refuse leave to appeal if its decision conflicted with that of the Privy Council.

Sir Robert Reid (who was AttorneyGeneral in the last Liberal Ministry), said it was unfortunate that Australia’s harmless original Bill ‘had not been accepted. He advised, however, the acceptance of the latest compromise. - Sir, William Anson, member for Oxford University, suggested that , the Federal Legislature -be authorised ito - extend the right, of anneal. The Right Hon H. H. Asquith (who was Home Secretary in the last Liberal Ministry) -said the now clause was an improvement, though it was gravely 'embarrassing to have to discuss it at such short notice. xhe. Right Hon Air Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, declared that Australia thoroughly appreciated 1 every ‘ effort in the direction of compromise. It'would; bo a great mistake now to revert to the original danse 7d. At the suggestion 'of , Sir , Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Leader of , 'the Liberal party, progress was reported, with leave to sit again in committee on Thursday. ; t . . “The Times’’ and “Standard” * state that it is the general impression that the; 1 .new..clause is a great improvement on the old, though, it is regrettable that Mr Chamberlain did not adhere to the deletion of the original clause 74. SYDNEY. June 20. The Premier. (Sir, William Lyne.) replying to a question in the Legislative Assembly, agreed .to cable to tlie Secretary of State for the Colonies asking him not to take the Bill.Out of committee 'until Parlidmeht lias had a chance of indicating its view in regard to the comiiromise..