FEDERATION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2746, 18 February 1890, Page 3

FEDERATION.

[by eletric telegraph—copyright.] Melbourne, February 15. At a private sitting of the delegates to the Federation Conference, the question of the defence of the outposts of Australia was thoroughly discussed. The defences of King George's Sound and Albany, in Western Australia, and Thursday Island being principally deal with. The employment of Imperial troops was approved of, and it was suggested that an endeavour should be made to get the commandants of the various colonies to visit King George's Sound, Thursday Island and Hobart, so that they might devise the best method of defence. The Argus says that the New Zealand delegates strongly advised the Australian Union, and wished it every prosperity. We may return this kindly feeling, and whether New Zealand (which is possible) promotes a South Sea Federation of her own, or whether in course of years she gravitates, as we hope she will, towards Australia, in either case every Australian will hope for her welfare with a measure of prosperity which should belong to her by right. l London, February 15. ! The Press highly commend the result and the bearing of the delegates to the Australian Federation Conference. The Standard asserts that New South Wales and Victoria proved that kinship was stronger than local antagonism, and suggests that Albury should be made the capital when Federation is establisned,; with a. Federal district like Columbia. It hopes that the colonists will prefer Federation on the basis adopted by Canada to that of America. In the House of Commons, Sir G. S. Baden Powell, M.P. for Kirkdale, has given notice of motion of cordial sympathy and interest in the efforts to assure Australian Federation. Mr A. C. Howard Vincent will move that the periodical assembling of an Imperial Conference will contribute in the direction of securing permanent unity of the Empire, and facilitate a basis of action as regards commerce and defence. February 16. Sir G. S. Baden Powell's motion of sympathy with Australian Federation will probably be carried unanimously. It is expected to come on on Monday.