THE FEDERAL CONTENTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6125, 11 March 1898, Page 3

THE FEDERAL CONTENTION.

United Press Association-By Electric TelegraphCopyright. Beceived March 11, 10.20 a m. MELBOUENE, March 11. The President of the Federal Convention received a telegram from members of the Queensland Parliament, representing the central portion of the colony, expressing the opinion that the federation of the colonies was absolutely essential, and hoping that provision would be made for the admission of Central and Northern Queensland as separate States, irrespective of whether Southern Queensland desired to join or not. Mr Barton announced that he had sent a telegram to the Queensland Government informing it of the action, of the Convention in passing a clause to allow Queensland to be divided into two or more colonies after joining the Commonwealth. He had received a reply conveying thanks, but expressing the opinion that this action would not conduce to the cause of federation. . Beceived Morch 11, 10.30 a.m. In the Convention an amendment for providing the referendum was defeated by 29 to 15, and an amendment intended to replace simultaneous dissolution was discussed. Mr G. H. Eeid supported the amendment. Later in the evening, the first portion of the clause providing for consecutive dissolution was struck out, and thus the simultaneous dissolution of both Houses was retained.