AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2123, 4 July 1907, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

United Press Association—Copyright - ‘ SYDNEY, July 2. Iu the Assembly Mr. Carmthers is making a statement dealing with the financial position of the State. The Governor, opened Parliament with the usual, ceremonies. The Speech

foreshadowed a general election in August. The only measures proposed to be dealt with in the present session are Bills validating certain municipal loans, removing doubts regarding th» operation of the Gaming and Betting Act, and authorising improvement or the port of Newcastle. SYDNEY, .July 3. In the Assembly Mr. McGowan cri-

ticised the; immigration policy of the Government. He said he knew cases of men having lost their places because immigrants offered to work for less wages. Mr. (Jarruthers reviewing the financial position of the State, said that they started the financial year with a cash credit, including public works and closer settlement funds, of £1,962j000, which could be operated without touching the trust fund, which, together with the surplus, amounted to five millions. He considered the position justified him in remitting taxation. The Legislative Council adopted the Address-in-Reply, MELBOURNE; July 3. A caucus of the . Federal Labor ; party decide to continue to support the Government. Received Julv 3, 10.33 p.m. MELBOURNE, July 3. Lord Nortlicote opened the Federal before a large and brilliant gathering. The Speech referring to the Imperial Conference.said it would promote much better understanding and more intimate relations between Britain and all her oversea dominions. It announced that a Bill framed on the decisions of tlie Navigation Conference was being drafted, and promised Bills for the amendment of the tariff and provisions for bounties to encourage new industries. It confirmed the cancellation of the mui? contract; also that an arrangement was almost completed with the Orient Co. to continue the existing contract for another year. /Regarding the extension of the Vancouver mail contract; —it mentioned arrangements to get the concurrence of the Governments of Canada and Fiji for participation in the subsidy. A progressive scheme of improvements to the harbor and coastal dofence was under consideration. Local production of munitions of war would be provided for. Received July 3, 11.45 p.m MELBOURNE, July 3. Amongst, tke legislation promised ■» the opening speech of the Federal Parliament are Bills to prevent clashing of the Privy Council and the High ;-°urt decisions and for payment of state income tax by Commonwealth servants.

Received July 3, 11.46 p.m. BRISBANE. July 3. Under Cabinet re-arrangements Mr. Ueorge Kerr becomes Minister for Railways and Nlr. A. Hawthorne, Homo Secretary. Mr. Airey, lata Home Secretary, is appointed Legislative Council Minister without portfolio. Received July 4, 1.1. a.m. . MELBOURNE, July 3. After the speeches of the mover and seconder of the Address-in-Reply the Houses adjourned.