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At the Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney. Cth BEOEMBEB, 1883. (Eighth Day.) Present: — Fiji: His Excellency Sic G-. William Dcs Vcettx, K.C.M.G-., Governor of Fiji, and H.B.M.'s Acting High Commissioner for the Western Pacific. New South Wales: The Honobable Alexandeb Stuabt, M.P., Premier and Colonial Secretary. The Honoeable Geobge Richaed Dibbs, M.P., Colonial Treasurer. The Honobable William Bebe Dalley, Q. 0., M.L.C., Attorney- Gen eral. New Zealand: The Honoeable Majob Haeey Albeet Atkinson, M.P., « Premier and Colonial Treasurer. The Honoeable Ebedeeick Whitakee, M.L.C., late Premier and Attorney-General. Queensland: The Honoeable Samuel Walkee Griffith, Q.C., M.P., Premier and Colonial Secretary. The Honoeable James Fbancis Gaerick:, Q.C., M.L.C., Postmaster-General. South Australia : The Honorable John Cox Beay, M.P., Premier and Chief Secretary. The Honoeable J. W. Downee, Q.C., M.P., AttorneyGeneral. Tasmania : The Honoeable William Robebt Gtblin, M.P., Premier and Attorney-General. The Honoeable Nicholas J. Bbown, M.P., Minister of Lands and Works. Victoria: The Honoeable James Seetice, M.P., Premier and Colonial Treasurer. The Honoeable Geaiiam Beeey, M.P., Chief Secretary. The Honoeable Geoege Beiscoe Kebeebd, M.P., Attorney-General. Western Australia: The Honoeable Malcolm Feasee, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary. The minutes having been read, the President laid upon the Table the undermentioned papers which were ordered to be printed, viz.: — (1.) From Mr. J. B. Sheridan, Adelaide, on the question of Intercolonial remedies against debtors. (2.) From Stenhouse & Smith, on the subject of a self-acting gaseous Vermin and Rabbit exterminator. (:{.) From John M. Creed, Esq., forwarding copy of a letter which he had published on the " Rabbit Plague." The Committee resumed consideration of the " Bill to constitute a Federal Council of Australasia," and the same having been amended, was ordered to be printed, with a view to its adoption at the next meeting. The following notices of motion were then given : — Mr. Dibbs to move:— That the representatives of each Colony in Convention assembled pledge themselves to submit to the Legislatures of their respective Colonies Resolutions affirming the conclusions arrived at by the Convention, and inviting such Legislatures to assent to an address to Her Majesty to pass an enabling Bill such as that agreed to by this Convention. Mr. Beay to move :— That His Excellency the Governor be requested to transmit to the Right Honorable the Secretary of State for the Colonies copies of the draft Bill to constitute a Federal Council of Australasia, and to inform the Secretary of State that this Convention has considered and approved of the provisions of the Bill, and respectfully requests that Her Majesty's Government will take such steps as maybe necessary to the establishment of a Federal Council of Australasia. Sir G. Wm. Dcs Vceux to move:— ■ This Convention desires to express to Her Majesty's Government its emphatic opinion that, wherever Her Majesty's jurisdiction or dominion may be established in New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, purchases of land from the natives should be discouraged, and if allowed at all, should be placed under most stringent regulations This Convention is further of opinion that pretended purchases of land unaccompanied by actual and substantial occupation should not be recognized. Mr. Giblin to move : — That the Premiers of the Colonies of New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria he appointed a Committee to watch over all matters relating to the subjects discussed at this Convention, and to assist in forwarding the adoption of its recommendations. That such Committee be authorized, if they find it necessary, to call the Convention together, at such time and place as they may agree, and that the Honorable James Seetice be requested to act as Chairman of such Committee. The Convention adjourned at 4 o'clock.

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