THE FEDERATION QUESTION.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 418, 18 February 1890, Page 2

THE FEDERATION QUESTION.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MR ABTHUB, HIS OPINION ON THE MOVEMENT. I'uxi.txo that the question of Federation has now assumed a stage when none oan regard it as a chimera, a member of our staff availed himself of an opportunity to wait on Mr A, C. Arthur, the member representing tho Eoat Coast constituency, to ascertain hie views on the subject. The opportunity occurred at a time when polities perhap* ought to have been eschewed. It wae at tn* Matawhero School picnic, and Mr Arthur, at Chairman of the Committee, was assisting to promote the happiness ot the gathering, and a very well managed affair it was, too. But the Pressman always likes to avail himself of his opportunities, and what could be more appropriate than a disoueaiao on the Feder*, tion question while we ware surrounded by * host of happy young New Zealanders, then enjoying themselves to tbeir hearts' content, but their countenances beaming with intelligence? "I do not want to take you unawares,” said I to Mr Arthur, directly I got the opportunity to hava a quiet chat with him, “ but I wish to know it you have matured an opinion on the subject ot Federation ?”

“Yes,” replied Mr Arthur, evidently wondering why I had introduced the eubjeot so abruptly. Well, seeing the important stage at which tbs movement has now arrived and tho Certainty that it will ba brought up during the next session of Parliament, I wished to ascertain your views on the question. Ot course I know that public men—and wisely so, I think—do not care in deciding hastily upon such matters, and 1 do not wish to pres* the question unless you bava fully considered it. Oh, yes; I have watched the progress of the movement. Did you read (be report of Oantain Russell’s spseoh at tbe Conferenoe? Certainly. Well, I entirely agree with him in every respect. I think that Australia is naturally suited for union ot the kind indicated, but I think New Zealand's beat policy is to keep aloof from it, not in a spirit of antagonism, but because her geographical position make* her bo distinct from the other colonies. Of course I think we ought to act as tar as possible in concord with the Australian colonies. As New Zealand advances and becomes better able to bear such expenditure I think it might he wise for her to contribute to a Federal Navy, but I do not sea what benefit could be derived by New Zealand from a Federal Army. It stands to reason that in case of any real alarm the richer portion of the Federation would be in as much danger as the weaker portion, and it is not likely that in a common danger we would be able to command any assistance from the army, so that defence from that point of view could be hardly considered an inducement to us to join a Fedoration. Looked at from acommetcial standpoint I do not see that New Zealand would be in any better position. lam myself a staunch believer in Freetrade. JJhat is your opinion on that point ? Ah, now you are turning tbe tables upon iqe. It is a question we might take a long time to argue and then pot agree upon, I believe in a protective policy for a young country ilk* nur own, but the greatest trouble I see with Protectionists is that they ara such a lot. Directly those of a certain line get whiM they want they cease to have an interest trying to get the principle applied In athem directions and sometimes wish to extend it to exotic industries which no bolstering up will cause to flourish. But of coarse intercolonial J'r act rede cannot be considered on the sam* h**i"- 7?" ** should be compensated by the advantages gained? No; I think the barrier of Broteqtiqn should be completely removed, but I do nqt think it would make much difference in regard tn Australia. They do not require our wool, meat, or minerals. Io good Masons they oan more than hold their own in regard to cereals, and in bad seasons thev are bound to procure supplies from New Zealand. It they put protective duties on it is evident that th* consumers tqust pay the difference. Do you think th*re will he arty practical discussion of tlie subject of Federation ne'ft session of Parliament) Well, I do not think there will be any action taken, though there is no doubt th* report to ba made by Sir John Hall and Captain Bussell will bring on a discussion ot tome kind. After thanking Mr Arthur tor his courtesy I withdrew, to participate in the general enjoyment,

In an Interview with * reporter Mr Bryce expreeaed himself as favorable to Australian federation as being th* rivht and proper thing to do, but thought that Now Zealand would ba wise to stand out and await eventualities till she could go id upon satisfactory ‘ teCine,' Th* first Federal question was osfenoet Australia witfi liar railway ayatewoou'd mobilise her forces, but New Zealand was in a different position. When danger cam* it would be a common danger, and Australia would not strip herself ot ships nr men to h'sltl New Zealand in case ths attack on tbs latter colony ghoulfl prove only a feint to draw oft forces. EedCratloii ivas'bouud to come, SS far as concerned Australia, but he thbugM that' tijd colonies would duly’ H spajly wjiffed into i) pation bv the pfoseao* of a great »nff then they wpqlff Ag that which they should have done in a timt of peace, Mr Bryce said he wm also favour of intercolonial free trad*.