FEDERATION MOVEMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2265, 29 July 1897, Page 17

FEDERATION MOVEMENT.

J Melbourne, July 21. I In the Legislative Assembly, in Committee of the Whole, the Acting-Premier (Mr Isaacs) made a lengthy and elaborate speech, in which be explained the provisions of the Federation Convention Draft Bill. He made special reference to the financial and railway proposals as they would affect Victoria. The adjustment of inter-State finances would be the most difficult problem to solve. The adjustment of intercolonial tariffs as proposed in the Federation Draft Bill is meeting with strong opposition in the Legislative Assembly. Mr Carter, leader of the Opposition, stated that the abolition of all duties at once would reduce the value of 4*nd in Victoria by 25 millions, and cause disastrous results to the people. „ He advocated a gradual reduction extending over 10 year*. I ■ Sydney, July 22. ' In the Legislative Council the Attorneygeneral (Mr Want, QC.) vigorously denounced the Federation Bill. He said that '.' faderation " would be a better name than federation. If the colonies lost the protection of the mother country, and were threatened with outside danger, it would be time enough to think about union. Until that contingency arrived New South Wales ought not to be called upon to make larger sacrifices than the other colonies on merely sentimental grounds. Adelaide, July 21. In the Legislative Council 'on the Federation Bill an amendment -was adopted reaucing the Governor-general's salary from LIO.OOO to LBOOO.