AFFAIRS IN AUSTRALIA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 442, 1 December 1908, Page 2

AFFAIRS IN AUSTRALIA.

As in the outer world, much is doing in the Australian Commonwealth. In most of the States there is a forward movement. Even Tasmania, the island State, a land of lots of time, is getting a move on. Queensland, the State in which the Labourite has been gradually gaining power, and which is a reflex of the condition of

things in Federal politics, has been having coalition and some excitement. The sequel, if Bananaland is to keep in line with the Federa 1 movement, should presently see the defeat of the Kidstou-Philp. Coalition (a mixture of oil and water), and the formation of another Labour Ministry, with Mi Dave Bowman, the hero of the shearers, as Piemier. It happened before, when the Watson Ministry had its chance. The success or failure of the Fisher Federal Cabinet means much to the democratic movement in the Commonwealth ; and Premier Fisher seems to have started with a courage that was lacking in ex-Premier Deakin, by hurrying in a Capital Sites Bill The House and the Senate have both cast majorities in favour of Yass, in New South Wales, as the site ; but the Fisherian demand is aimost prohibitive in asking for an area of at least 900 square miles of country, and the area, of course, including a seaport. With Mi Joseph Cook as Leader of the Opposition (vice the lively George Reid, of ready speech and “dry dog ” fame, who just resigned), Premier Fisher will have an easier time than Mr Deakin had, especi ally as Mr Deakin is sitting in the corner, somewhat sympathetic to Fisherian efforts. There is a greater tendency throughout Australia, and even in the press of the Motherland, to “let Labour have a show,” and with others the desire is to let the Labour Party have enough rope—in the hope that it will hang itself. There are other questions on the horizon over there—such as immigration, defence, a jubilee university for Queensland —but these are problems for Australians to solve, and it will be interesting to watch from this side of the Tasman Sea, how the solving will be done.