AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1411, 11 April 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION.

« REFERENDA AGAIN TO BE TAKEN. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright Melbourne, April 10. The Federal Government will submit the referenda proposals rejected last year on the samo day as the elections next year.

Two amendments to the Commbnwealth's Constitution which were carried by largo majorities'in the Federal Parliament in 1910 were, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, submitted to a referendum of the electors on April 2G last. The amendments had the effect of greatly limiting the power of the individual States that compose tho Commonwealth as regards control of commerce and industry. At present the Federal Government can only, deal with industrial disputes that extend beyond the bounds of ono State, but by these proposals it would have power to control all matters relating to tho wages and conditions of labour in any trade, industry, or calling, and for the prevention and settlement of industrial disputes, including those which may arise as to employment on the railways or other concerns of any State. Further provision is made for the control by the Federal Parliament of both interState and oversea commerce, and for the acquiring by the Commonwealth of any industry which has been declared by both ' Houses of Parliament to bo a "monopoly." The proposals were submitted in two issues, one dealing with tho increase of legislative power in labour matters, and the other with the nationalisation of mouopolics. The majority against the first was 259,259, and against tho second 2-17,737. West Australia was the only j State which carried tho proposals. I =====