AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 154, 8 October 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright. Melbourne, October 7. It has been decided to call applications for the position of Land Tax Commissioner and six deputies to administer the Act. In the House of Representatives Mr. Groom moved in favor of a Federal Agricultural Bureau. The Minister of Customs said that the States objected to the motion, and it wa9 talked out. In the debate on the Land Tax Bill Mr. Hughes proposed a further amendment that any person who with intent to defraud under-valued his estate by 25 per cent was guilty of an indictable offence, and in addition to other penalties provided, should suffer forfeiture of all or part of the land under-valued. Although the amendment was carried tile Opposition strongly objected to it as the punishment was too drastic, going lack to the methods of the middle ages. Received 7, 10.30 p.m. Melbourne, October 7. The House of Representatives finished Che re-commital stages of the Land Tax ffill. The third reading was fixed for Tuesday. The Senate is making good progress •with the Navigation Bill in committee. ABSENTEE OWNERS. CAPTAIN SCOTT'S EXPEDITION. Received October 8. 1 a.m. Melbourne, Last Night. "Definite absentee" in the Land Tax Bill is made to mean a person who does not reside in Australia and a person who is absent for half a year. Mr. Hughes promised a deputation, including the wife of Captain Scott, to submit to Cabinet a request to grant £SOOO towards the cost of the Scott Expedition. THE ANTITRUST ACT. Melbourne, October 7. The Anti-Trust Act, now before the House of Representatives, provides that a combine to restrain trade is guilty eren though not to the detriment of the public. It is not necessary to prove intent. Another sub-section makes it an offence to enter into competition with intent to destroy or injure an Australian industry. A defendant will have to prove that his action was not injurious. No person is excused from answering questions on the ground that be may incriminate him, but such statement may not be given in evidence against him in any proceeding except for the offence against this Act or for perjury. WBSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT. Received 7, 9.30 p.m. Perth, October 7. The Leader of the Opposition moved a general want of confidence in the Government. The Assembly adjourned till Tuesday.