FEDERATION COMMISSION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2456, 10 April 1901, Page 15

FEDERATION COMMISSION.

SYDNEY, April 3.

The New Zealand Federation Commission, now on a, visit to Tasmania, were welcomed by the Colonial Secretary. Among the witnesses examined were the Hon. Mr Lewis (Premier), Hon. Mi- Bird (Colonial Treasurer), Mr Justice Clark, Hon. Henry Dofoson, Mr Burgess, Sir E. N. C. Braddon, and Mr Johnston (the Government Statistician). The evidence was valuable as showing the financial difficulties in which the State was involved through the loss of the control of the customs and excise duties. It was admitted by all the witnesses that, even to cover existing engagements, Tasmania would have to levy a considerable amount in direct taxation. All public works mu&t come to a standstill unless the people t\ ere willing to submit to further levies in this direction.

April 5,

The Daily Telegraph, in an article on New Zealand and the Commonwealth, says that " if it is true, as some of the Federation Commissioners complained, that veiy little interest was taken here in their Australian proceedings, the reason probaibly is that a doubt is felt as to whether New Zealand or its Government, at any Tate, are in earnest on the question. By joining the federation New Zealand would have available an open market in six States, instead of one. The commercial gain fr«n federation is, in fact, on the side of New Zealand, the more so as manufactures are well advanced in that colony and need not fear Australian competition. As to the terms of admission, the exception made in favour of Westralia with respect to the tariff might be extended to New Zealand. The control suggested by Mr Peacock seemed to go a little too far. It was time enough to go systematically into these matters when New Zealand's mind was made up. All we know at present is tliat the colony has remained aloof all along, and that the Ministry are opposed to federation, for the reason that the colony would lose its status, which if held by the people generally makes inquiry and argument a waste of time." MELBOURNE, April 2. The New Zealand Federation Commission take evidence to-day. Colonel Pitt states that Mr Barton has assured him that if New Zealand decides to come m she may do so as an original State. April 3. The Federation Commission examined the thief Inspector of Factories with reference to the wages paid and the condition of workers. Mr Martin, Secretary of Agriculture, who gave evidence, thought there was more likelihood of New Zealand flooding Australia with Algerian oats than vice versa. Captain Collins, Secretary of Defence, was also examined. The Premier (Mr Peacock) gave evidence before the Federation Commission. It is •understood, he pointed out, how mutually advantageous it would be for New Zealand to join. She would gain from a trade and defence point of view. The leaven of progressiveness which she would introduce would be beneficial to the Commonwealth. He pointed out that New Zealand might lay down as a condition of joining that she should, on account of her geographical position, have the right to legislate exclusively on some of tne 39 matters provided for in the Commonwealth Act. He instanced oldage pensions and control of the inland posts and telegraphs. He considered this was possible on the interpretation of section 121. Asked how he thought the Federal Parliament would be likely to allow New Zealand representatives to vote on matters which New Zealand as a State had an exclusive right to legislate on, Mr Peacock replied that this could be arranged. He was also questioned respecting the financial system, aand the wisdom of the provision in section 96 for granting financial assistance to States during the first ten years. Mr Peacock is understood to have said that the people of United Australia would be interested in the welfare of all parts, and that it would be a natural and proper thin^ to give temporary assistance to a State in difficulties. He touched on defence, and said that as the Commonwealth and New Zealand grew more and more prosperous it would be necessary to protect them adequately. The auxiliary squadron would hive to be strengthened, and the Commonwealth and New Zealand should have a common scheme of defencef If New Zealand did not join he expressed the opinion that there ought not to be much difficulty in arranging a trade reciprocity treaty. He gave a lot of information about the Factories Act and its working, wages, etc. . . „

April 5.

The New Zealand Federation Commission has concluded its business here. Mr Al'Lean (ex-Premier), Mr Derham (president of the Chamber of Manufacturers), and Mr Van der Veldo (beet sugar expert) were examined. Mr Peacock (Premier) entertained the commission at luncheon. Messrs Kingston and Deakin and Sir G. Turner were present. The commission goes to Adelaide on Monday

April 8

Sir George Turner, the Federal Treasurer, •when before the Federation Commission, evinced a strong desire that New Zealand should join. He thought she would not only be admitted as an original State, but ■would receive special terms to meet her isolated position. He considered it useiess to expect that any commercial reciprocal treaty could be arranged if New Zealand elected to stand ani*.

AUCKLAND. April 2.

The Star's special coi respondent with the Federation Commission writes that in Sydney they obtained a huge amount of information" of a very valuable nature, shotting the position New Zealand -would occupy as a State of the Commonwealth The commissioners visited the Agricultural College at Hawkesbury and took e\idence as to the cost of raising wheat and other crops in New South Wale--, and as to the outlook for a future market for Xcw Zealand farm prodxiuts in that State. The majoi-:ty of the witnesses were favourable to New Zetland entenng the Commonwealth. The pioceedmgs of the commission received veiy little attention, and the desire for a New Zealand alliance, if it exists at all, is of a very theoretical character. Details are not available of the conference with Federal and State Minister", but it is understood, that none of the witnesses hold out much hope of a reciprocity treaty if New Zealand declines to enter the federation.