THE COMMONWEALTH BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 104, 20 June 1900, Page 3

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL.

+. THE BILL BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. (P«B PSKSS ASSOCIATION.) (Received 19,1.10 p.m.) London, June 18. In the House of Commons the Opposition, objecting to finish consideration of the Commonwealth Bill in the Committee stage without knowing if the Australian Governments ratified the new compromise, the debate was adjourned, afld wi>l be resumed on Thursday, (Received 20, 1.50 a.m.) Lwdon, June 19. Mr. Dickson assented to the compromise on the distinct assurance that all existing right 3 of the State Courts were maintained to all subjects. The Colonial Office admit that the new clause is a great triumph for Sir Samuel Griffiths, whose assistance was invaluable. Mr, Chamberlain invited the House to a general discussion upon the first amendment on Clause 5, and referred to the extraordinary difficulty in negotiating wibh the numerous colonies with separate interests. He was, he said, unable to divine why the Governments refrained from an all-official indication of opinion oa the first agreement, and he considered the second agreement absolutely met the two objections, which, hehadbijen unofficially informed, wero entertained in Australia ; at any rate, the new compromise went a long way in the direction of satisfying all concerned. AH reference to State Courts wns now omitted, leaving appeals from them intact. Speaking generally, Mr. Ohamberlain said the original bill restricted appeih in nine cases out of ten. The first compromise restricted five out of ten, while the latest agreement restricted only one cut of ten. Every change was in the direction the Imperial Government desired—all tendiug to the advantage of Australia. He rejoiced that Australia had volunarily come so far in the direction of hor true interests. The Imp rial Guvoinmeni's only desire was tj tmbidy thi (ooaial wishes, whatevt r they are, and if, before tho report stage of the bill was reached, the colonies desii ed u-janinv us'y or by b majori f y ;< furiLer cbacg ■, he was prepaid to propose it.