The next point to be considered is the expression “shall be held for the purposes of the Union.” The apprehension has been expressed that it might mean that every kind of advantage that will accrue from it will go to the Union and therefore the coastal States might suffer. I should think that the expression “be held for the purposes of the Union” is more elastic than the first part which says “shall vest in the Union“. The expression “shall be held for the purposes of the Union” does not necessarily mean the Union Government as such. “For purposes of the Union” is a wider term than the expression “shall vest in the Union“. Recently in Australia the question arose and it has been held that the expression “for purposes of the Commonwealth” is a wider expression than the expression “Commonwealth” itself. Therefore I should think that the expression “for purposes of the Union” does not militate against some of the benefits being allotted to coastal States and should allay their apprehension that their present existing rights might be invaded.
