Second Edition AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 14, 17 September 1913, Page 6

Second Edition AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

[Bx Electric Telegraph—Copyright J [United Press Association.] ME WADE CHALLENGED. Sydney, .September IG. On behalf of Mr Griffith, the Solici-tor-General has forwarded a letter to Hr Wade requesting Mr Wade to repeat his statements publicly, where there is no shelter of privilege.

WADE-GRIFFITH’S DISPUTE. (Received B*3o a.m.) Sydney, September 17. Mr Griffith has instructed his solicitors to issue a writ for slander against Mr Wade.. Mr Griffith informally informed bis colleagues of the step he had taken, but it was not mado a Cabinet matter. Mr Holman advised Mr Griffith not to go to tha courts on the ground 'that Parliamentary privilege should hot be lightly brushed aside in such a fashion.

Mr Wade’s charges were not sustained by the House, and the proper thing was to treat it with contempt. Other Ministers support Mr Holman.

Mr Wade states that he has not received a writ.

AMENDED ELECTORAL ACT. (Received 10.5 a.tn.) Melbourne, September 17

In the House Mr Kelly, in moving the second reading, explained the provisions of an amending Electoral Act, which provides against the flooding of the rolls on the eve of an election; abolishes Saturday polling; restores the postal note, and gives freedom to press criticism. Mr Kelly declared that the press were gagged last election because they criticised the Labour Party. The gag was introduced to intimidate individual members of the press. These men were to be driven by fear of the consequences from writing the truth. He w ould rather be in opposition through unfair criticism than in power through gagging the press. The Liberals feared no criticism. The debate was adjourned.

A RIFT IN THE LUTE. / (Received 10.55 a.m.) Sydney, September 17. The papers declare that as the outcome of a stormy caucus meeting yesterday a serious rift has occuiied in the Labour Party over Mr Griffiths not referring, the proposed underground city railway to the public works committee. . Even a continuation of the Ministers in office is Involved.

NORFOLK ISLAND, Melbourne, September 17

In the House, Mr Glynn moved, the Norfolk Island to the Commonwealth. Mr Thomas asked whether, as the island is twice as far from Sydney as Auckland, would it . not he better if New Zealand were to take it over. Mr Glynn replied: “No” When the Federation is established it was intended that control should be transferred from New South Wales to the Commonwealth. He pointed out that the exports of the Island last yeai to New South Wales were valued at £798, and to New Zealand £132. . The Bill proposed to allow' the Islanders goods to enter Australia free. He laid stress on tho fact .that Norfolk Island was an important repeating station of the Pacific cable. The debate has been adjourned.

• TEACHERS’ REMUNERATION. Mr Holman gave notice of the introduction of a Bill by Mr Carmichael formulating a scheme whereby teachers’ remuneration would be based on the size of the family.