AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

FEDERAL STEAMERS. (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 4. As the outcome of its enquiry into tbe affairs of the Commonwealth Steamship line, the Federal Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee will recommend to toe Government that the line should be disposed of. Tbe Labour members of the committee oppose the recommendation.

VICTORIAN POLITICS. MELBOURNE. Alav 4

Negotiations are proceeding lietween State Nationalists and Country Parties for the formation of a non-Labour Ministry. Littlo headway has so far been made towards an understanding. The Nationalist Party is unhesitatingly determined that the present ministry must resign. Members renounced the leadership of Allan and indicated they will not support a new administration led by him. The meeting endorsed a proposal that an attempt should be made to form a Nationalist Ministry under the leadership of William McPherson. A meeting of the Country Party expressed willingness to examine Mr McPherson's -proposed legislation and the personnel of his Cabinet. Mr Allan expressed bis willingness to retire from the leadership, if tre step is necessary to keep the Labour Party from the Treasury bench, es. FIXES FOR NOT VOTING. .MELBOURNE, May 4. Fines amounting to ten thousand sterling have been received from persons who failed to vote at last Federal elections and referendum proposals.