New Zealand Rejects Federation with Australia 🇳🇿 🇦🇺
Today on this day in 1901, a Royal Commission on Federation (with Australia) reported that it unanimously rejected the possibility of joining the Commonwealth, stating that "New Zealand should not sacrifice her independence as a separate colony, but that she should maintain it under the political Constitution she at present enjoys."
The 800-page report stated that concerns around legislative independence, finances, trade rivalry and political representation were at the forefront of their decision to reject federation.
Today on this day in 1901, a Royal Commission on Federation (with Australia) reported that it unanimously rejected the possibility of joining the Commonwealth, stating that "New Zealand should not sacrifice her independence as a separate colony, but that she should maintain it under the political Constitution she at present enjoys."
The 800-page report stated that concerns around legislative independence, finances, trade rivalry and political representation were at the forefront of their decision to reject federation.