AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2129, 11 July 1907, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

United Press Association-Copyright -«Received Jul-- 10, 11.52 p.m. MELBOURNE, July 10. The Governor’s speech showedthat the State indebtedness was reduced during the year by £1,014,000. Arrangements had been made to meet the local loan of a million falling duo in October, and nearly the whole of the London loan of two millions, duo in April next, was provided tor. A policy of judicious railway construction would bo recommended. Bills to provide for the acquisition oi a million acres for closer settlement would be submitted. Pow6r would be obtained to institute indeterminate sentences. A referendum would be taken on Scripture lessons _ m State schools. The old age pensions would be increased from 8s to 10s ner week. A "Workmen’s Compensation Bill would be introduced. Received Julv 11, 1.12 p.m. MELBOURNE, July 10. The Minister of Labor told a depute tion that a bill to restrict Chinese competing in the furniture trade vould be introduced early this session. ■ , ADELAIDE, July 10. During the debate on the Address-in-lieply representatives of the Northern Territory stronglv opposed the transfer of the territory to the Commonwealth unless On terms more advantageous to South Australia than those which were included in the present agreement.