THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL. [BY TELEGRAPH-COPYRIGHT.] [REUTER'S TELEGRAPH.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2119, 6 February 1886, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL. [BY TELEGRAPH-COPYRIGHT.] [REUTERS TELEGRAPH.]

Hobart, February 3. The Federal Council , met today in the Executive Council Chambers. The solect committee appointed to prepare the standing orders for thp •^ui'lanc" of the Council in tl'ie transaction of lm-iness presented their report, ami the stamHiiif orders were, after di->cu-»ii>n, ,vi|opt.>d. A committee was appointed to deal >vilh financial matters connected with the Fnter«u Council. The following bills were than iv id u third time and passed : — For -jond n«ing and shortening the language of the n/'t* issued by the Council ; authorising service of civil processes outside the colony issuing. The bill to define the status of foreign companies transacting business in the colonies was read a second time to-day, but it is not intended to proceed any further with it during the present session of the Council^ with the view of enabling all the colonies to acquire full knowledge of its provisions'. The bill for enforcing judgment within the limits of the Australian federation passed through committee. A motion was broucht forward for the production, of all papers relative to the administration of New Guinea. A debate ensued till the time for adjournment. The council will be prorogued on Friday next, sth inst.

Friday next, February 4. In the Council to-day, the Federal Evidence and Federal Judgment Bills were read a third time. -Vfter a long debate, a motion was adopted for the presentation of an address to His Excellency tho Governor, asking him to lay on the table despatches relative to the establishment and administration of the New Guinea protectorate. In the Federal Couucil this afternoon, Mr Service read a telegram relative, to the agreement between Germany and' France as to the possible occupation by the latter country of the New Hebrides. A select committee was appointed to draw up an. address for pi esentation to Her Majesty the Queen with reference thereto. The Council adopted a motion recommending union on the part of the colonies in the matter of granting indemnities in case of life or property destroyed in time of war.