FEDERAL POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9112, 3 April 1908, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS.

CHARGES OP CORRUPTION.

Press Association —Copyright. Received April 8,[9.31 a.m. Melbourne, April 3. The Senate passed the excise duties.

An attempt to recommit the tariff failed.

In the House of Representatives strong action was urged in dealing with the charges of corruption. It is alleged that some votes were bought while the oil duties were under consideration. The sum *of £IOOO is mentioned as having been paid by the Standard Oil Company. Another assertion is that money was paid for lobbying purposes. PAPUA LAND SCANDALS. OFFICIALS REMOVED. Received April 3, 9.35 a.m. Melbourne, April 3.

Mr Deakin explained that the Select Committee appointed to deal with the matter would recommend a simpler method of dealing with offenders of this character. He declared that he was satisfied that there was no foundation for the charges. Mr Deakin informed the House that he hoped to obtain Sir Wm. MacGregor, the former administrator, as administrator of Papua. A clean sweep was being made among officials in Papua over the recent trouble. About fourteen officials , including the late administrator, four resident magistrates and two assistant magistrates had been got l id of chiefly by resignation.