AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION

Otago Witness, Issue 2403, 22 March 1900, Page 13

AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION

THE RECEPTION OF THE

DELEGATES.

LONDON, March 15.

Mr Barton, Q.C., has been appointed spokesman for the Federal delegation. The law officers of the Crown's criticisms on the bill have been received. They are not considered vital.

March 16.

Mr Chamberlain, Earl Selborne, Sir R. Webster, Q.C., Sir R. Finlay, Q.C., Sir R. Herbert, and Lord Ampthill received the Federal delegation. Mr Chamberlain extended a welcome in a felicitous speech. He had a spirit of the deepest goodwill towards the colonies, and would accelerate

their wishes to the utmost. He indicated the legal and constitutional questions and points of construction requiring consultation. He offered the use of a room at the Colonial j Office. Mr Barton happily responded. He said the whole attitude of the colonies indicated their desire to uphold the Imperial interests and avoid contention. He dwelt up cm the moral effect which would be pro- ' duced in Australia if the Commonwealth Bill, which was so strongly backed locally, ; was approved unaltered. j

It is probable that the early stages of the measure will be taken before Easter

The criticisms of tne law officers, though important, are believed to be capable of explanation and modification to a degree rendering them innoxious. They largely relate to the interpretation, possibly confined to the introductory, clauses, leaving the Australian constitution intact. The delegates are overpowered with the hospitality extended them.

. March' 17. | At the first interview of the federal delegation munerous criticisms of a far- ,

reaching character were made, involving the covering clauses and Constitution. Messrs Barton, Deakin, and Kingston combated the contentions of Sir R. Webster and Messrs JTinley and Ilbert (draftsmen), with the result that all were abandoned, with the exception of seven, which the Crown strongly press, partly in the belief that they would prevent encroaching on the Royal prerogatives in relation to Privy Council appeals.

At the second interview the law officers and the delegates argued the criticisms clause by clause, and will possibly submit a written statement for the Imperial Cabinet's consideration. The delegates strongly urge themselves unauthorised to accept

amendments, and point out the inadvisae bility of disturbing the Australian compromise over the measure.