The Next Session of the Council.

Dr. Macgregor, in moving,—

"That the next session of this Council be held at Hobart, in the colony of Tasmania," said: In the Federal Council of Australasia Act of 1885, section 7, it is enacted that—

"The first session of this Council shall be held at Hobart, in the colony of Tasmania. Subsequent sessions shall be held in such colony as the Council shall from time to time determine."

It is therefore necessary before this session is brought to a close that the Council should determine the place at which the next session shall be held. It is, I think, in the present state of development of this Council undesirable that the next meeting should take place in any of the capitals of the larger colonies, and I have no doubt whatever that of the smaller colonies and their capitals Hobart is the most convenient place for the next session of the Council. It is also to be noted that Hobart was the place determined on by the convention, the body that drafted the Imperial Act, and nothing has occurred since that was fixed to justify a change of place of meeting at present. Experience has taught us that Hobart is very suitable for the purpose, and that the work of the Council can be carried on here with advantage, and I therefore move the motion.

Mr. Griffith: I support this motion, sir. I hope that when the next session of this Council is held there will be more colonies represented at it, but whether that be so or not the same reasons exist now for the selection of Hobart for holding the next session of the Council as existed two years ago for the selection of Hobart for holding the first session of the Council. I am afraid there may be many changes in the constitution of the Council before that time. I, however, am able to look forward to continuing a member of it for the present, at all events; and, speaking as one who may probably be a member of the Council at its next session, I think Hobart is the most convenient place at present. I am not prepared to say that it will always be, but that is a matter to be determined by the Council from time to time. I have great pleasure in supporting the motion.

Question put and passed.