THE COMMONWEALTH.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14384, 4 March 1911, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH.

THE REFERENDA CAMPAIGN. j ti LEADERS PRO AND CON. Pr« 66 Association—By Tel. —Copyright. SYDNEY, March. 3. Mr Hughes, speaking on the refer- 1 enda proposals regarding giving the Commonwealth ' power to deal with corporations, said that competition was dead or dying over half the industrial, commercial, and financial sphere of the Commonwealth. If 'the referenda passed they would undoubtedly strengthen the Commonwealth's hands in dealing with the American Meat Trust; ' MELBOURNE, March .3. Mr Dea-kin opened th© -campaign against the referenda last night, speak-, ing to an immense audienoe. He declared "that the carrying of ihe amendments might mean ushering in a reign of despotism, which meant the crushing of the State sovereignty.. It was only by, true Federalism that effective development of the country would be ensured. The referenda vote was mora important than a general election; or even the votes which created the Federation, because no State can retire. All will be bound by the majority. The, Federal Government had the power to give preference to Unionists, which could be horribly abused. It would make industrial unions political, and it would create a despotism which Russia would not rival. . He was prepared to \ give the Court power to give preference ■to Unionists. Unions were for industrial purposes, not for political'. The latter would create a privileged class,! even above that of the Lords in Britain. He pointed out how the Minis-i •ters of New South Wales were' crushed by a majority vote. The referenda proposals would leave the State powers intact, but Federal law would override every State. The resultant cost in litigation would be enormous. AUSTRALIA'S NAVAL DEFENCE. MELBOURNE, March 3. At the farewell luncheon to Admiral Henderson, who made a special visit to Australia to report on the Commonwealth naval defences, Senator Pearce, Minister of Defence, declared that Admiral Henderson had fulfilled liis mission thoroughly. His report would bear out the highest traditions of the British naval service. Adniral Henderson said tliat he was greatly impressed with Australia's future outlook. The keynote of his report was that any action which attacked the sea power of the Empire waa inimical to Australia and -the whole Empire He gathered that this idea would be carried into effect. SYDNEY WHARVES LOADED. SYDNEY, March 3. Business at some of the wharves in the harbour is at a standstill owing to the acute congestion. One companv decided to chare storage, but the carters and consignees declined to pay and in consequence the wharves were loaded to their full capac'tr. Steamers are waiting to discharge further goods, \ but axe unable to do sq, ''