FEDERAL TENDENCIES IN AUSTRALIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13875, 12 April 1907, Page 5

FEDERAL TENDENCIES IN AUSTRALIA.

A'N INTERESTING DISCUSSION. SPEECH BY SIR. J. G. WARD. Frost AsEccifiticn—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, April 10. Dr Hacked, of West Australia, read a paper at the Colonial institute on "Some Federal Tendencies in Australia." lie pointed out that federation had not secured that preponderance of sympathy and popular approval that had been expected, while many who were once sanguine wcro now believed lo consider federation a mistake, and an experimentthat was premature, and tho results of which, financial, political, and federal, wcro more than doubtful. Despite this dissatisfaction, however, they could hardly doubt that there was a general conviction not only that federation had come to stay, but also that the time had arrived when tho position and needs of Australia imperatively demanded all the strength and support which the union of the six States could give. Though secession was a feasible means of passive resistance, lie did not believe it would be resorted to, because all real grievances would be redressed, and all disagreements amicably arranged. Ho regretted that Australia's best-cpialified men abjured Federal administration, and that tlio House of Representatives had so many independent sections. lie referred to the serious difficulties resulting from the granting of equal bicameral powers. "The popularising of the Senate," he said, " may lead lo momentous results, may alter the whole faeo of State politics, may go a long way towards the unification, of Australia, and may mortally wound responsible .'government as hitherto practised." He touched on the questions of local self-defence, ;i white Australia, and elective Ministers.

Sir J. 6. Ward, who was present, said New Zealand was proud of lier Australian neighbours, bub was also happy to be independent. of the anxieties that were affecting her. Though soma clogging of the Federal machinery was unavoidable, the people of Australia were determined to overcome their diflicultie's. He expressed tho strong hope that no liritisli colony would ever give effect to the idea of an electivo Executive. In regard to the coming conference, the representatives of the colonies wore friendly, but fearlessly and determinedly agreed to advocate views which they believed would bo for the good of tho iimpite. Their only desire was to help to solve Imperial problems.

Sir W. J. Lyne said that the 'dissatisfaction in the States existed mainly in the minds of politicians. Their legislation had been progressive—perhaps too progressive for the people of Great Britain,—but. they in the Commonwealth were more British than tho.so living in Great Britain;

Mr Deakin declared that the allegation that the Commonwealth had lost popularity arose from confusion of thought. The objectors did not object to federation, but to tie' legislation which federation had given. If a choice had to be'\made between tho earlier internccino strife and federation under present conditions, thero would bo a larger majority in favour of federation. He prophesied that Protection would shortly have a sweeping majority in New South Wales. Australia was a young and impatient nation ,but hitherto every legislative step was a step forward. If anything, federation camo rather too late than too early.