AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 930, 24 September 1910, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

'. LAND TAX AMENDMENTS. By Tolegranh—Preaa Association—Copyright. Molbourno, September 23. In the Federal House of Representatives, tho Land Tax Bill was taken in committee. The definition of : "absentee" was discussed at length, and progress reported. Mr. Hughes (Attorney-General;- has drafted two amendments. One provides that if an owner subdivides between June 3—from when the tax will bo chargcablo-and September 30, ho shall be taxed for the current year for each separate parcel of land as if it were the only land he owned. The second deals with beneficiaries' wills, and provides, that with, respect to every original. beneficiary . the trustee :is entitled to a separate assessment. (Rec. September 24, 0.35 a.m.) I . Melbourne, September 23.V The Land Tax Bill is r making slow progress in Committee. In reply to" a question, Mr. Hughes, Attorney-General, stated that mines worked under a freehold tenure would |bo taxed. | The Bill would be amended so as to mako clear that tho' unimproved • value should, not includo . the value of . - improvements appij'rtaining" thereto, or made by the'owner or his predecessor. THE DE3T3NCE ACST. • .i Molbourne, September 23. -' *■ Tho Federal Cabiiiet has decided that the new Defence Act shall operate from' January 1 next. ...< 1 NORTHERN TERRITORY, BILL. Melbourne, September 23. . Tho- Northern Territory Acceptance Bill was put through Committee without amendment. : In,tho House of Representatives several private members' motions were discussed ..and ' adjourned. ... ".. . . 1 ' ' BY BARTER OUT OF FOLLY.. '• (Rec. September 11.25 p.m.) Melbourne, September 23. Senator St. Ledger, in opposing tho Northom Territory Bill in tho Senate,':, said it had a pedigreo. It was by> Barter out of that well-known Commonwealth maro Folly, and should be named Gold Bricks, which were . the instruments of; confidence men. ; - : ' (Rec. September -23, • 9.30 p.m.) y Melbourne, September 23. A - The Senate; has read the .'Northern Territory Acceptance Bill a third: time by' 19 yotes to 9'. ABOLITION OF STATE GOVERNORS. Adelaide, September 23. In tho "Assembly notice of motion was- given for' the opening of. negotiations ; with the Homo Oflico for the abolition of the. position'of State Governors. v.:,-:,v' : '.'