AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 176, 4 November 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

THE MONOPOLIES BILL. By v.'able—Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, November 3. In the House of Representatives the Monopolies Bill passed its second reading. Mr. D.eakin intimated that he would not press amendments till the committee stage. In the Senate the Laad Tax Bill passed through committee with small drafting amendments. FIVE MILLIONS FOR RAILWAY DUPLICATION. Sydney, November 3. Replying to a deputation, Mr. Beeby, Minister of Education and Labor, said the Ministry considered the duplication of the railways absolutely the first thing required. He estimated that the duplications proposed in the last Parliament would cost £5,000,000. FEDERAL POSTAGE BILL. Received 4, 12.40 a.m. Melbourne, November 3.

Mr. Thomas, moving the second reading of the Postage Bill, said he was anxious that it should come into operation not later than April 13. He estimated that penny postage throughout Australia would mean a loss of £400,000 a year; if not an inter-State scheme a loss of £275,000; and if Imperial penny postage were also adopted, it would involve a further loss of £50,000 a year. The loss would be made up by direct taxation. The debate was adjourned. EDUCATION REFORM. Received 4, 12.40 a.m. Sydney, October 3. Mr. Beeby, in outlining the Government's education policy, foreshadowed important developments in secondary education and reform of the governing body of the University to bring it more in touch with modern requirements.