Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1888

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 6405, 5 January 1888, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1888

IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

In a few -weeks there will be held another of the colonial Federal Councils so dear to Major Atkinson's heart. So far, New Zealand has declined to ink itself up in this paper scheme of Federation, bnt knowing how the Premier csrn bounce the present House of Representatives into doing whatever ho deajres, there is reason to fear tliat he will next session make an attempt to indnoo the colony to join in tie scheme* We have held the opinion all along 1 that such a plan as that proposed by Victoria would lead, could only lead -to this colony losing its real independence in matters of the greatest importance. If Federation is to t><t more than a mere name, it rmr,, come with the real de3iro of ihe people, and for some ostensible benA fit. So far the colonists here have not! shown the least indication that the; desire to federate with Australia, noi have they ever been made awaro o{ any benefits that are likely to accrue from the scheme. If Federation is a necessity, then it should be a federal tion of the Empire, a banding to gather of all parts for some dia tinct object. At present we an i really federated with the Mothei j Country — -bound by bonds closer than* i any that can be made on paper ; hv. still we retain to ourselves Ui<> dearly cherished right of governing ourselves. In an eloquent speoch at a banquet given him by the Victorian Legislature last month Earl Carnarvon dwelt at so^o length on this subject. Speaking of tUo conditions surrounding any idea of federation, he said : 't There aro different forme, as we all }mow — there are different forma of federation ; and I say honestly, God forbid that any federation should ever be thought of here which should extinguish or obliterate the splendid individualities of your great colonies. (Loud applause.) And, secondly, federation must in my mind be tho distinct outcome of the public wish. It cannot be put into a forcing house. Sir, England has given to these great colonies, ia their fullest amplitude, a complete measure of selfgovernment, and it would be illogical ; a»d unworthy were she to extend that j

it on the other. But, sir, it mast not be merely sentiment on which any closer formal union with England must be based. It must also have the distinct sanction of interest. TJnlesa all parties can feel, as I believe they will feel, that it is for the interests of both — the permanent, the deep, the unquestioned interests of both — that they should bo united by a closer bond — unless they can feel that — federation would be simply playing with the word, and would lead us into great and profound difficulties." Here we have the real points in a nutshell, and who that considers them can say that the conditions surrounding the question of Australasian Federation in any way approach those which should be present whenever federation is determined upon. " Cnt and dried schemes" Earl Carnarvon elsewhere objects to as being more than likely to lead to trouble, and he desires rather to see both England and the colonies approach the federation question only when both see that it is to their interest to be more closely united. The Imperial Conference of last year paved the way for a better feeling in this respect, and the growing knowledge on the part of English statesmen, and the people of Great Britain generally, of the colonies and their importance to the Mother Country will bring about the closer union when it is required. Till then the present ties of affectionate remembrances are sufficient to keep the Empire intact, and the cut and dried scheme of Australasian Federation may well be allowed to go by the board.