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. It was chiefly due to him that a National Australasian Convention, to which delegates were appointed by the Parliaments of each of the colonies, including New Zealand, met at Sydney in 1891. Sir Henry Parkes was appointed president, and on his motion resolutions were adopted affirming the following principles:—

"The powers and rights of existing colonies to remain intact, except as regards such powers as it might be necessary to hand over to the Federal Government."

"No alteration to be made in State boundaries without the consent of the Legislature of such State, as well as the Federal Parliament."

"Trade between the federated Colonies to be absolutely free."

"Power to impose Customs and Excise duties to rest with the Federal Government and Parliament."

"Military and naval forces to be under one command."

"The Federal Constitution to make provision to enable each State to make amendments in its Constitution, if necessary, for the purpose of federation."

"The Federal Parliament to consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, the latter to possess the sole power of originating money Bills."

"A Federal Court of Appeal to be established; and an Executive, to consist of a Governor-General and such persons as might be appointed his advisers."

A draft Constitution Bill embodying these and other principles was adopted by the Convention. It was hoped by many that federation would almost immediately result. New Zealand, which is separated by four or five days' sail from Sydney, sent three delegates to the Convention, in place of the seven allotted to each Colony, and intimated that its immediate adhesion to any scheme of federation need not be expected, on account of its being cut off by