AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 124, 3 September 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

LAND TAX BILL. By Cable..—Press Association. —Copyright Melbourne, September 2. In the Federal House of Representatives, discussing the Land Tax Bill, Sir John Quick contended that the object of the Bill was to force men to sell land, not to raise revenue; therefore, it was unconstitutional, as the Commonwealth was not able to alter the land policy. He argued that the tax had been found to be a failure in New Zealand. Mr. Charlton supported the Bill. If it was found to be unconstitutional he would make one to go to the country to ask the people to alter the constitution. The debate was adjourned. * • - Mr. Hughes, replying to statements, said definitely that the tax will not apply to munipical properties. Melbourne, September 2. In the Senate, the Minister for Defence stated that in future no man would be an officer in the army unless he passed through the ranks.

FIGHTING THE GOVERNMENT. Melbourne, September 2. The new political party formed to fight Labor consists mostly of farmers. Melbourne, September 2. Mr. Deakin, addressing the annual conference of the Commonwealth Liberal Party, dwelt on the need for the Liberals being assisted by outside organisations. He said that in the Federal Parliament principles were being settled beforehand on every question, and the independent judgment of members was being crippled. MORE POLICY MEASURES. Melbourne, September 2. In the House of Representatives Mr. Fowler obtained leave to introduce a Bill giving power to the Minister for External Affairs to deport criminals, the object being to protect the morality of the community; also a Bill to prevent children of white parents being expatriated by Asiatic or Polynesians who may have married a widow with white children.