AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4300, 8 March 1901, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH

PREPARING FOR THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

APPEAL FROM THE LABOUR: PARTY.

MELBOURNE, March. 7.

The sum of £17,000 has been set apart for illuminations in connection with the opening of the Commonwealth Parliament. • ■ - - ■ , ■

It is estimated that the decoration of the streets, apart from that of buildings, will cost £IO,OOO. ‘ ' The representatives, of various nations are undertaking to decorate street blocks. . as-- ■ 1 The Labour' Party has issued a manifesto appealing for'support for its three candidates for the Senate. The manifesto says the party is contending for popular rights against class interests, and ! outlines a comprehensive democratic platform., , ’ ' THE COMMONWEALTH FORCES. (Received March 7, 11.47 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 7, Sir John Forrest,-the Federal Minister pf Defence, in a minute on taking ever the defence! forces of the Commonwealth, pays a high compliment to the services and efficiency of the Australian troops in South Africa and China. He confidently relies that the zeal and patriotism shown hitherto will result in still further advancing the standard of efficiency as a Federal body. , THE NEW ZEALAND COMMISSION. Auckland, March 7; The evidence taken by the Federation Commission to-day was generally auainst federation. . ‘ ~ 'Mr W. F Buckland, representing the Waikato Farmers’ Club, strongly favoured federation, and Mr John Brown, managing director of* the Drapery Supply Company, and connected with other Auckland industries, was also inclined to favour joining the Commonwealth, but thought New Zealand should wait a little and see how federated- Australia Dr Purchase Mr G. Rowley (clothing manufacturer), ■ Mr Inppiatt (president of the Fruitgrowers’ Union), and Mr John Fawcus (representing the Trades and Labour Council), were opposed to federation. THE REFERENDUM POSTPONED. Owing to the short time available for organising a referendum, in connection with the federation question, the Government has decided to withdraw . -ho proposal to take a referendum in connection with the census. No poll on the subject mill now he Taken till the Fed-, i eratiou Commission has. brought down its report, and Parliament has had an 1 opportunity of debating that report.