THE FEDERATION MOVEMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2240, 4 February 1897, Page 16

THE FEDERATION MOVEMENT.

Sxdnky, January 27. The Federal election writs have been issued in New South Walee and Victoria. Hobaiit, January 27. The Federal Council has opened here. Sir John Forrest, Premier of Western Australia.'waa elected President. January 28. The Federal Council bad a long discussion in regard to the proposed Convention. The Queensland delegates warmly resented the attack* on that colony for not fulfilling the promise to participate in the Convention. Sir H. Nelaon, Premier of Qneensland, sarcastically referred to Mr G. H. Beid'a " new-born zeal," and said that unless the Convention were postponed for six months Queensland would not be seen there. The Federal Council discussed Sir G. Turner's motion that it is highly desirable that the Imperial Government negotiate with the other Powers for the univereal application to all nationalities of the restrictions applied to British traders in the New Hebrides. Speaking to the motion, Sir G. Turner said the French traders required annexation to France, and were increasing their poises«ions in the hope of .showing they had large interests in the island?. He contended that if any annexation took place it should be to Great Britain. If steps were not taken to make the restrictions universal then steps should be taken to rescind the restriction* on Britishers until dual control was done away with. Sir Hugh Nelson was understood to say that the islands were of no strategic value, and were not so valuable that they should be considered of great importance. It would be far better if th»y were handed over to France. The motion was carried.