FEDERAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1530, 11 August 1905, Page 2

FEDERAL POLITICS.

By telegraph, Pres# Aas’n, Copyright Melbourne, August 10. In the House Sir W. Lyne stated tbat the Commonwealth bad been losing between £30,000 and £40,000 per annum owing to American misrepresentation regarding the values of harvesters. The Trades Marks Bill has been read a second time. The disoussion was praotioaliy confined to dissent of the Oppositionists to the union label clause, which was adopted'.

DEFENCE MATTERS. IMPORTANT PROPOSALS. By. telegraph, Press Ass’n, Copyright Received 9.42 p.m., Aug. 10. Melbourne, Aug. 10. In tbe Houso of Representatives, Mr Kelly called attention to Admiral Fanshawo’s statement at Brisbane in reference to defenco, aod Mr Seddon's disposition to increase the New Zealand subsidy to the navy. He asked would the Minister for Defence ask Mr Seddon what reasons there were for proposing such a course, Tho Minister promised to consult Mr Deakin.

Mr Johnson moved ; “ That in view of tho certainty of enormous trade development aloDg the Pacifio route to tbe east when the Panama canal is opened, the question of control of the islands suit able as naval bases between Australia and Panama is of the highest importance to British and Australian commercial interests ; that the strategical position of the New Hebrides, with exceptional harbor facilities, renders it imperative in the interest of British and Australian commerce that their control shall not pass into the hands of a foreign naval Power. For theso reasons it is desirablo to provide every reasonable facility for the promotion of British and Australian settlement in the New Hebrides,”

ATTITUDE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. t INTERESTING DEBATE ON PACIFIC ISLANDS. i By; telegraph. Press Asa’n. Copyright; 3 Received 1.30 a.m., Aug. 11. f Melbourne, Aug. 10. Mr Johnstone urged the necessity for Australia doing something to counteract French influence in the New Hebrides, which were now all directed to annexstion. | Mr McKay said it was lamentable that Great Britain alone among the nations seemed to think it was net its constant duty to watch its interests and possessions in tbe Paoifie. ' The British Government appeared nnable to reoognisa the importance of the matter, and the serious consequences to Australia if the Islands were absorbed by foreign nations. Australia had serious ground for complaint, and it was time they spoke out definitely and emphatically to the Imperial Government. Several other speakers similarly considered the time for diplomatic representations had paused. Mr Thomson considered the motion to be more definite in form. He moved that the representation already made by the I Commonwealth to the British Government should, iu the interests of natives, I settlers and Australia, be renewed aud I strengthened; that the immediate establishment of a joint land commission is imperative and bo constituted that its decisions will be just, prompt aud effective. The delay whioh has occurred is deeply regretted and no settlement will be satisI factory to the Commonwealth whioh does not decide the possession of the New I Hebrides. Further, that tho only ownership acceptable to Australia is that of Great Btitaln, which is justified by history, I the development of trade with tho islands, I and the wishes of tbe native population. Mr Johnston accepted Mr Thomson’s I motion in place of his own. I Mr Deakin said the Government were lin entire aud hearty sympathy with the motion. Australian interests were necessarily strongly directed to securing the islauds to prevent their being used for hostile bases. Nothing had boon doDe J since tho Anglo-French agreement had been signed. Ho would include the j motion in a despatch he was sending to ! the Imperial Government, containing the 1 report of the deputation which recently c waited on him. ' Tho motion was carried on the vetoes. c