FEDERATION OF THE COLONIES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9061, 20 April 1891, Page 2

FEDERATION OF THE COLONIES.

TO THE EDITOR. S?R,— I am glad to see by a copy of the Herald of March 19th that you do not agree with New Zealand joining the proposed Federation of the Colonies. As far aa my judgment tells me, this so-callod Federation business, which several gentlemen have lately been talking over ia Sydney, is not at all suitable to tho colony of: New Zealand. There are more Teasona than one why we should not join the Australian Federation. The distance, for instance, is too groat — wo are too many miles apart. This, I hold, in itself should debar us from ever joining^ also, as you very properly remark, the Australian people know very little of New Zealand, and wo should not be listened to when our grievances wanted redressing. Again, how | in the name of common sense could we expect to be rightly governed from Sydney or Melbourne ? It is out of all question. Again, New Zealand is an island, a long way from Australia. That is ono great reason why, as colonists of New Zeal md, we should manage our own affairs Indifferently as we are governed now, should New Zealand over think of linking herself to Australia in this Federation, it must appear upon the face of it sheer madness and folly. To my mind, this Federation talk in Sydney is a waste of time, and of no earthly use. - Wo have managed to look after ourselves for the last fifty years, and although not always in a way that was most beneficial and economical, yet notwithstanding our own failures and drawbacks, New Zealand, by remaining alono and maintaining her independence, fighting her battles, and making her own laws, will, I am quite sure, do better in tho future alone than if joined with a country that does not know our wants or feelings. We are heavily taxed, and have a great burden to bear, with a large debt to meet tho 'interest on — a depression has hung over the colony for some time — still it would be very foolish, and be doing a very wrong thing, were we to give up our independence and join hands with Australia in this Federation matter. I read a great deal, and I notice many of cur papers do not believe in the scheme, and it behoves everyone who comes before the public to speak out in a bold and fearless manner against joining the Federation. It has occurred to me whilst writing this letter that should the Federation of the Colonies ever take place, too much power will be placed in the hands of the Federal Government. Do we not see in the present day the rich getting richer and the poor man poorer, and will not this Federation tend to take from the working man some of the liberty he now possesses, without Iris being able to obtain redress ? In conclusion, I earnestly hope every journal in the colony will Bpeak out, and that they will denounce the scheme, for we cannot aiford to hand our own birthright over to Australia. — I am, &c, Edwin Rutland. Richmond Grove, Invercargill, Southland, N.Z , April 9th, 1891.