Federal Conference.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8619, 25 March 1897, Page 2

Federal Conference.

(Press Association.) Adelaide, March 25.

Continuing his remarks Mr Turner said that while the debts of the colonies should be transferred to the federal body he could not see the necessity for handing over the assets at present. The British money lender did not advance money on our railways but merely on the general credit of the constitution; They must not be so rigid that other colonies desirous of joining could not do so. Mr O'Connor, of Sydney, objected to Mr Turner's method of settling disputes between the Houses by either the referendum or dissolution. Such deadlocks should be settled by a conference or by any compromise. He firmly supported the permanence of the Senate and as far as possible keeping it in touch with the public by penodicals. , Mr Braddon, continuing the debate, objected to the referendum on the ground that the smaller colonies would go to the wall under that system. He hoped intercolonial free-trade would accompany federation from its commencement. Mr Barton altered his resolution by substituting " Australasia" for " Australia."

Several lesser lights occupied the afternoon in addressing the Convention.