THE FEDERATION INFERENCE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 417, 15 February 1890, Page 2

THE FEDERATION INFERENCE.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Sydney, Wednesday. The Herald this morning, commenting on the proceedings at the Federation Conference yesterday, says that the attitude which New Zealand assumes is easily understood from the sympathetic speech delivered by Captain Bussell, ia which the advantages to ba derived from federation worefully recognised. He pointed out that New Zealand bad questions of her own to consider which obliged her to adopt a waiting policy ; but while she felt that it was advisable to stand out for the present she would be only too glad to have a door left open for entrance at soma future time. The Herald thinks that the hesitation on the part of New Zealand Is readily to be understood, and if aha stands aloof for the present no exception oan ba taken to her action ; but with South Australia the case is somewhat different. A selfish motive underlies the objection of that colony wlfoh paces local interests before those of Australian concern. Under the oiroumetances ehe can have no stomach for the wide propoeale submitted by Sir Henry Parkes. The attitude Maumed by South Australia and Western Australia, together with the refusal of Now Zealand to join the movement, has brought the dslibsraclone to something of a point. In conclusion the Harald suggest! that ths question now to be considered is whether it is advisable Io take steps to form a Federal Government without waiting for the co-operation ot all the colonies. Mklboubnx, Wednesday. Referring to yesterday’s proceedings at the Conference, the Argus, in an article thia morning, remarks that although the attitude of the New Zealand representative was not altogether unexpected, yet en important development of the day's proceedings wss ths stand taken by Captain RusseU. The reasons given by New Zealand for refusing to join the movement at its present stage must ho admitted to ho weighty and could not he rashly put aside. The Argue concludes in the following terms:— ”We muet assume tbat any federation possible at the present moment is Australian federation, and it may be remarked that the secession of New Zealand. however much it is to be regretted, renders the federation of Australia ah easier task, inasmuch aa our farmers dread Now Zealand oompetition in oats, wheat, and other produce. With the strong feeling ot friendship existing throughout Australia and ths sea surrounded colonies their union mo only be delayed, Certainly if the efforts to form a federated continent are luaiessful wo shall hops also to bring in the isles whioh Ste its splendid complement.”