The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1899.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 488, 16 September 1899, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1899.

o The three leading public men of the colony—Captain iiussell and Messrs Seddon and ltolleston—have each stated that they themselves are not sufficiently clear as to the probable results of federation with Australia, and, as a consequence, are of course unable to give a lead in educating the people up to the point of being nblo to record an intelligent vote on tho question. Captain Eussell told an interviewer : " I am not prepared to give an absolute and definite answer at the present time as to what my views really are, or will be, after further consideration. I am more inclined to look at the remote ,

results of federation than the immediate benefit? or injuries likely to accrue. I cannot imagine that the genius of the New Zealand people a hundred years hence will be at all similar to that of the people of Australia. Such being the case, it seems to me more probable that, however fair the Constitution may be, and however secure theoretically all our liberties may be, we should find ourselves hereafter in the position of being quite a junior partner in a very large concern."

It is impossible not to recognise, as does Captain Eussell, that so niomenous a question should be considered from all points of view, and this could only be done by long and close consideration. There is no man in New Zealand, as yet, who has done this ; consequently there is no man capable of preaohing the crusade in a manner calculated to carry conviction to the minds of the people as to whether, if a6ked, they should vote " Yes " or No."

Captain Russell points out that if the Commonwealth were to adopt a tariff which would prohibit the trade of New Zealand with Australia, that tho tariff would also prevent trade between Australia and all the islands of Polynesia. We are unablo to follow the gallant Captain in this statement; the other islands, with very few exceptions, are incapable of producing the grain, etc., we ship to Australia. As regards defence, Captain Russell says that federation would not strengthen our position. We must depend upon the Imperial Navy to protect us, and be prepared to resist any filibustering expedition that might run the gauntlet of our fleets. He then gees on to say that there is no need for haste and does not anticipate that if to federate would be to the mutual benefit we should be received into the ■' family of nations " on equitable terms. If Captain Russell is right in bis surmise there may not be any immediate hurry; but, with all due deference to his opinion, we may point out that it is impossible for any man to calculate what will be the action of a Parliament as novel as will.-be that of Australia. Mr Rolleston as is characteristic of the man has traced the Federation movement from its initiation to the present time, and is generally unfavourable to the proposal that we should join. He said. " Looking to the not-far-off future New Zealand will occupy au unrivalled position. From its climate, the fertility of its soil, the physical character of its population, and its position as a maritime power, occasiou might arise when its power as a separate State in these seas would exercise enormdus influence in maintaining the Imperial union and guiding public opinion should popular outbursts run riot elsewhere in these seas."

In dealing with with the question. How would federation with Australia affect New Zealand—(a) commercially, and (b) as regards our power of self Government. As to section (a) he said the effect on commerce is hard for any man to foresee. Enormous powers will be wielded by the Federal Government. The effect of intercolonial free trade on our manufactures, it might lead to our industries being seriouly affected. ''The effect upon our export or farm produce is equally hard to toresee. We cannot, to begin with, do more than conjecture how fir Australia is, by the progress of settlement, going to make itself independent of those articles of produce (potatoes, onions, oats, and dairy produce), and of which we have always a surplus. It is certain that there will be periods of drought when its own supply will be entirely inadequate. Will it then be content to forego the advantage of New Zi-aland trade by putting it under the disabilities of protective duties? The market has been very fitful over a number of years. For example, the potato trade varied between the years 1894 and 1897 from £2758 to £102,600, and the butter export varied from £455 to £51.055 in the same period, and then singularly enough dropped to £17.154 in 1899. This is one of those points upon which it seems to me we ought to have the best information which could have been collected by commercial and financial experts. We should then be in a position to approach the Federal Government and discuss the question of a reciprocal treaty on fair terms. I cannot but think that our present attitude towards the great movement of our Bister colonies is not a worthy one, arrtl is liable to.be interpreted as one of indifference. My own belief is that, apart from any question of federation, our interests must always be closely bound up with those of Australia, and that mutually satisfactory arrangements could be arrived at. Ido not see what advantage would accrue to Australia by New Zealand being driven by trade considerations to enter into administrative and political relations, which might not work out harmoniously, and might indeed be embarrassing to the Commonwealth."

The spaoe at our disposal does not permit of ©ur commenting at length upon the above opinions. We shall take an early opportunity of doing so; also upon the figures furnished to the House by the Premier.

Miss Gilmour, of Auckland, will sing a solo at the evening service at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church tomorrow.

Mr O. E. Button, of Auckland, will preach at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cambridge, to-morrow, morning and evening.

The tender of the proprietor of The Waikato Argus has been accepted for printing the electoral rolls for the Waikato electorate.

The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association has decided to make public prior to the show the names of the judges appointed.

On Wednesday evening next the Te Awamutu Cricket Club will hold their annual meeting at To Awamutu, immediately after the Athletic Club's meeting.

The annual moeting of the members of the To Awamutu Amateur Athletic Club will be held at Te Awamutu, on Wednesday eveuing next, at half-past seven o'clock.

The Wellington correspondent of the New Zealand Herald states that the probable successor of Mr Tcgetmcier as General Manager of the Bank of New Zealand will be Mr Emblyn. The service in Christ Church, Kihikihi will be it 11 a.m. to-morrow, not 7 p.m., as announced by us in Thurs day's issue. There will be a church parade of the local volunteers who will attcud the service.

We have been requested to inform the children of Standards I. and 11. of the Cambridge public school that it is important they should attend on Monday and Tuesday in order that they may be examined by the head teacher.

The monthly meeting of the Waikato Farmers' Club will be held at Cambridge, on Monday evening. Mr R. Reynolds intended continuing his discourse about farming in England at this meeting, but he will unfortunately be prevented from attending, Mr S. Btowd, of Clevedon, will be present and have something to say about the newlyformed Farmers' Co-operative Association.

• The Auckland football representatives beat the Taranaki team, on Thursday, by 18 points to 3.

The Primate Dr. Cowie will conduct a confirmation service in St. Peter's Church, Hamilton, to-morrow evening. His Lordship will also preach at the morning service.

On Wednesday evening, 20th inst., in the Volunteer .Hall, Hamilton, Mrs Commandant Booth, of the Salvation Army, will give her interesting and fascinating lecture, entitled "In the Slun-.s of the Great Citiea," illustrated by 90 limelight views from life models. At Messrs McNicol and Co.'s Waihou fale yesterday, store cattle were in good demand and sold at full market rales. Fat cattle were in fair supply, but met a dragging sale. Dairy cows sold up to £B. In fat sheep some good pens of wethers from Kereone sold at 14s 6'l. Fat ewes sold up to 12b 6d and well - woolled hoggets up to Ss6d.

A concert in aid of the Roman Catholic Church, Ohaupo, is announced for Tuesday, 26th inst. We understand that the promoters have secured the services of several Auckland performers and have spared neither trouble nor expense in providing a first-class programme. This, added to the fact that the Ohaupo folks have not had a surfeit of amusements of late, should ensure a crowded house. The programme will conclude with a dance.

It is with feelings of deepest rfgret (writes our Te Awamutu correspondent), that I have to chronicle the death of Aileen, the third daughter of our respected postmaster Mr J. P. Vause, which sad event took place on Thursday last, the cause of death being phrenitis. The little girl had been laid up for some ten days, and towards the end suffered terrible agony. The deepest sympathy is felt for the parents and relatives in their sudden bereavement.

We again remind our readers that the Cambridge stores will close at noon on Tuesday next, instead of the following day, to enab'e all and sundry to attend the Hunt Club races. These will, undoubtedly, be good, for the entries are large and the contests will be keen. On the evenings of both Tuesday and Wednesday, performances will bs given in the Oddfellows' Hall, in aid of the funds of the Hunt Club. These will r-e of quite a different kind to the ordinary run of Waikato entertainments, aud a large number of artistes will assist who have not hitherto appeared before a Waikato audicnte.

We remind Cambridge readers of the lecture to be given in Victoria Hall on Monday next by the Rev. Hugh Kelly, M. A., of Parnell, on " The Wit and Wisdom of lan Maclareo." During the evening vocal selections will* be given by Miss Gilmour, of Auckland, and Rev. J. M. Mitchell, of Hamilton, and local favourites. The lecture willbe repeated at Hamilton on Tuesday, when the musical portion of the programme will be contributed by Miss Gilmour, Misses Crawley, Dr. Douglas, Mr Gordon, and others. Full particulars will be found in the advertisement in another column.

The genoral secretary of the Auckland Fruitgrowers' Union (Mr J. H. Mackie) on Thursday telegraphed to Mr Lang, M.H.R. for Waikato, respecting the Government Orchard and Garden Pests Bill, as follows :—" Notice Pests Bill read second time pro forma : no copies received ; is any danger becoming law ?" Mr Lang promptly replied : " Posted you copy Pests Bill immediately circulated yesterday ; Bill referred to the Agricultural Committee ; intend to move consideration of Bill be deferred until opinion of Fruitgrowers' Association (Union) received." It appears that the suggestions of the Union have not been accepted, but the old Government Bill has been re-introduced with somo modifications. The Union and fruitgrowers are ignorant of the alterations made in the amended Bill, As soon as the copies forwarded by Mr Lang are to hand it is intended to convene a meeting of the executive to determine what action shall be taken. The associations affiliated with the Union have beeu duly notified of the present state of affairs.— N Z. Herald.

In consequence of no further sum appearing on the Estimates for the construction of the Tuakau bridge, a deputation, consisting of Messrs F. W. Ling, M.H.R., and G. S. Whiteside, member of the Raglan County Council, waited on the Acting-Minister for Lands (Mr HallJones) to press the urgency of the case. Mr Lang pointed out that the Government had on various occasions given promises, implied and direct, that the bridge would be pushed along. Plans had also been prepared, and were ready for the work to be put in progress. Mr Whiteside pointed out that the lands recently disposed of by the Government on the strength of these promises would more than pay interest on the cost of the undertaking. The increasing traffic across the river at this point, and a sand bank formed, rendered the punt altogether useless for the purpose. The settlers would he much disappointed if the Government did not fulfil that promise. Mr Hall-Jones said he would look into the matter, and if the facts were as stated the amount might be placed on the Supplementary Estimates. He was quite prepared to carry out any promise made by Mr McKenzie. Mr Lang said he felt confident that if the ActingMinister would look into the case he would see the justness of the request.