QUEENSLAND POLITICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11182, 3 August 1898, Page 2

QUEENSLAND POLITICS.

Piess Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

Brisbane, August 2. Speaking. to the Address-in-Reply, the Premier said the Government intended to establish a fast mail service between Gladstone and the North. The Government would build steamers themselves, and presently would begin to fill up the gaps in the railway service by such steamers. Personally, he hoped the Government would not have to do so, but rather than be hampered' by rings and combinations they would do so. He added that perhaps in the nest Parliament the people would be called upon to express an opinion on federation. Tn future Japanese would not be allowed to land without the consent of Queensland.. With, regard to the New Guinea Syndicate, he said there had been underhand work in that connection. He had conferred with the syndicate at" Jubilee time, and told them it was necessary to get the consent of the Administrator of New Guinea, after which the approval of the three contributing colonies should be obtained, and then the approval of the Imperial Government. He was not aware until he became Chief Secretary that the ordinance had been adopted. He did not approve of it. The ordinance had never been submitted to the Queensland Government as a Government. If necessary, he would" instruct the Agent-general to return the £1000 deposit received from the syndicate. He considered Mr Chamberlain's statement that the rejection of the ordinance would be a breach of faith was improper. If blame was attachable to Queensland, Mr Chamberlain should also blame his own official (Sir James Macgregor).' The Government would press the matter home to the fullest conclusion. Mr Chamberlain would be indiscreet if he forced the matter, as the Imperial Government had declined to contribute to the administration. 'After the sxpirationof the present agreement Mr Byrnes was satisfied the triple control could not continue. Either New Guinea must become a Crown colony or be annexed by Queensland and held.until the federation of Australia was consummated. .--.■■':