AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4307, 16 March 1901, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION.

CABLE NEWS.

TOiraD F£ZBS ASSOCIATION.- -Vir gLCCTfci TJUJSOEArTf- -~<o ■R’i

COMMONWEALTH BANQUET IN, LONDON. “A PICTURE OK TRUE LIBERALISM.” LONDON, March 11. Earl Spencer presided at the National Liberal Club’s Commonwealth banquet. The attendance included Lord Tweedmouth, Professor Bryce, Ear! Carrington and Sir Charles \Veiby. Sir Henry Campbell - Ibiiiiierniau, Leader of the .Liberal Party in Uio ‘louse of Commons, proposed 1 Success to ..he Commonwealth.” lie declared that Australia presented a picture of true Liberalism, pursuing a policy which never shrank from duty, labour or sac■ifice. Air Barton’s position as Premier if the Commonwealth was a guarani se hat Australian affairs would be contacted with, prudence and energy. He vas confident that tho ties binding the Monies to tho Motherland would be tronger in the future. Tho Agents - General for South Ausralia, Queensland and New Zealand reponded. Sir Alexander Cockburn ».ugesting that the 24th May should l-c ailed “Victoria Day,” and observed as perpetual holiday.

REPRESENTATION OF CANADA. (Received Alarch 3'). ,1.5 a.in.) SYDNEY. March 15, The Premier of Natal will nut be abl ? to attend the opening of the Federal Parliament, but the Alina,try will be represented by Air Frost, ALnister witli- ( ut portfolio, who attended the inaugulation ceremonies. THE NEW ZEALAND COM-MISSION. (Received Alarch 16, 1.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, -March 15. The New Zealand Federal Commissioners have arrived. They saw Mr Barton’s private secretary, and arranged to confer with Air Barton when ho returns from tiro country.. The Commissioners expect to spmid about ten days in Sydney collecting evidence. It is understood that tho proceedings will be with closed doors.

The Premier last night received the following cable from the Ken W. It IcCiillough, Minister of Defence, and chairman of the Celebration Committee, Melbourne:—“Victoria cordially invites yourself. Ministry, Speaker of the Legislative Council, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Mayor of Wellington, with their wives, to the celebrations in conecthm with the ouening of the Federal Parliament. Please communicate with those named, and ask for.an immediate reply.”