AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 93, 23 August 1913, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

N.S.W. G OVERNMENT. [By Electcic Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Peceived 8.50 a.m.) Sydney, August 23. A Cabinet meeting discussed Mi Wade's censure motion. Ministers anticipate that the motion will be de feated by about eight votes, which will emphasise the fact they are under no obligation to submit the scheme to the House, which has already approved of the proposed railways. Mr Wade, in a speech at Campaie. accused the Government of almost bankrupting the country, of wanton extravagance, and of contravening one of the leading planks of thei: platform by borrowing in the mannei proposed.

THE VICTORIAN ASSEMBLY. Melbourne, August 22. It transpires that Mr Webster was successfully vaccinated a week ago and so will bo able to vote on the ecu sure division which will probably b< taken on Wednesday, mal Expenditure, states the Mail. *A MINISTERS' RETAINER. (Received 9.55 a.m.) Melbourne, August 2.'5. In the House.Mr Irvine replied "t< Mr Fraser's attack regarding tin Marconi Company. He said that Mi Fraser seemed to think the acceptance of a retainer would involve some confidential arrangement between tin company giving the retainer and tin counsel accepting same. But nothing was more absurd. A general retainer did not bind counsel, and regarding the acceptance of a.brief, if there wa; any reason whatever, public or pri vate, which would embarass him be could have no more relations with tin Marconi Company than with othei gentlemen who had given him a gen oral retainer. He would have no duty except that he had to give them notice before he accepted a brie < in an action against thorn. The point raised, said Mr Fraser, involved tin whole question that a man could not accept any position in the Ministry unless he altogether divested himself of any interest of any kind which might come into conflict with any decision that he might have to give ar Minister^ Mr Fraser considered that Marconif had the first claim on Mr IrvineV services, not merely that they would have to be given notice before he ap peared against it. Mr Fisher said the House would have to decide whether Minister; would allow their private interests to affect their public duties. Mr Cook declared that Mr Trvin absolutely cut his connection with tin Marconi company and returned flu briefs. The House adjourned till Tuesday.