Australian.

Southland Times, Issue 14815, 17 December 1900, Page 3

Australian.

NEW ZEALAND'S PACIFIC ASPIRATIONS SAT UPON. N.S.W. PROMISED A FAIR WHEAT CROP. SYDNEY, Dro. 15. The Morning Herald, commenting on Mr Seddon's Pacific federation scheme, says Australia's chief concern with regard to the islands is that they must not pass into foreign hands and that her trade shall not be shut out. It might, it says, seem merely selfish and narrow to resist handing over to New Zealand islands which lie not far beyond her geographical sphere, but if New Zealand decides to take up a position of isolation from the political system of the Greater Britain population of Australia, then she must not blame the latteivif they prefer to retain in their own hands opportunities of making the larger Pacific territories integral or subsidiary parts of their own federation. It adds — " If New Zealand comes in with us, she will secure our influence on behalf of her legitimate expansion in the Pacific, as wellasherown influence in Australasian affairs. She will secure both by entering our federation and may lose both by isolating herself." The cargo of the barque Allegiance, burnt at sea, was insured, most of the local offices having lines on her. The Government Statistician estimates the wheat crop at 17,195,000 bushels— an average of 12 6 bushel? per acre. MELBOURNE, Dec. 15. The s.s. Ormuz is to be docked, and her passengers will be transferred to the Orient Company's next steamer. ADELAIDE, Dec. 15. It is stated in political circles that Lord Hopetoun will be raised to a d ukedom when he assumes the GovernorGeneralship.