Federal Conventions.

Opunake Times, Volume VI, Issue 266, 26 March 1897, Page 2

Federal Conventions.

AdELAiDE, March 22. The Federal Convention was opened at noon to-day in the presence of a gay and representative assemblage. On the motion of Sir Joseph Abbot, seconded by Sir Graham Berry, H. Kingston was elected president. Only formal business was transacted, and the Convention then adjourned. A caucus meeting, of the delegates was held this afternoon, when the procedure of the convention was discussed. It was decided to proceed by resolution instead of taking the Commonwealth Bill as a basis. From these resolutions will be gathered, beyond a little more elasticity in one or two directions, the difference between the resolutions and the old bill will be that of twiddledum and twiddledee. March 23. From all accounts of yesterday's caucas of the Federal delegates it would appear that they are not a happy family. At times the proceedings became so animated that several members threatened to withdraw. The Radical element from Victoria, was much in evidence, and expressed determination not to accept a constitution framed by anyone but themselves. Great diversion of opinion existed as to whether the Bill of 1891 should be taken as a basis of discussion or whether a series of resolution should be brought down.