THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 11024, 15 September 1897, Page 2

THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

THE POWER OF IMPOSING TAXATION. [per press association.] Stdney, September 14. — At the Federal Convention this afternoon an addition itas made to the clause conferring the sole power on the House off originating appropriations and the imposition of taxation, by giving pdwer to the Senate to make laws providing for the imposition and appropriation of fines or other pecuniary penalties, or for the demand of payment and appropriation of fees for licentits or for services, so long as it does not impose taxation or appropriation of public revenue. The Wesfcralian Legislature sought to give the Senate the rignt to impose taxation, but the debate was marked by several representatives of amaller states receding from the position they had taken up in Adelaide, and recognising that equal powers in the Senate would be fatal to the chanca of Federation. Mr Reid regarded such an amendment as calamitous ; popular control of the finaucus was the basic principle of any constitution af. British type ; if they wanted equality they must pay share and share alike, or else they would never get it. The debate was continued through the afternoon. . Several delegates from Tasmania and West Australia followed the example set earlier in the discussion, and departed from their strongly expressed views at Adelaide in favor of equal rights, and joined the ranks of the opponents of co ordinato power. Mr Barton urged them to stand by the clause. Ho was convinced that with proper safeguards the bill was one that they could safely commend to their constituenti. The Convention, by 28 to 19, rejeoted tho amendment td government by equal powers. Sydney, September 15.— The Committee set up by the Convention, having finished the clauses dealing with money bills, set to work to review tho schedule suggested for dealing with deadlocks. The proposal which emanated from the New South Wales Asaimbly pro-riding for a referendum was first dealt with. Under tho scheme any proposed law adopted by a majority of tho Commonwealth shall be sent on to the Governor-General for assont ; as if it had been passed by both Houses. Iv the event of tho Commonwealth not deciding in favor of the proposed law it cannot be again brought forward for three years. The Committee decided to permit a general debate on the whole subject rathor than confine it to the New South Wales scheme rigidly.