AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 234, 11 February 1911, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE POSTAL SERVICE. *■ —. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.' Melbourne, February 10. By closing the post and telegraph offices throughout the Commonwealth at six at night, from March 1, the Post-master-General expects to save £IBO,OOO a year. ~,.•, PAYMENT OF MEMBERS. Adelaide, February 10. A referendum on tlte question of increasing the payment of members to£3oo will be taken on the same day as the Federal referendum. WOMEN'S WAGES. Sydney, February 10. Mr. Beeby told a deputation that he will place domestic servants on the schedule to enable them to apply to the Wages Board. THE EASTERN. Brisbane, February 10. The Eastern has been floated into dock. An examination disclosed that the whole bottom plating abaft the engine was damaged, but not sufficiently to prevent her proceeding to Sydney for repairs, which it is estimated will cost £IO,OOO.

CROWN LANDS SETTLEMENT. Sydney, February 10. The Labor Conference discussed a motion censuring Mr. Neilson, Minister of Lands, for expressing his intention to proceed with the sale of Crown lands at Marenbra, as being a distinct breach of a vital plank of the Labor party. Mr. Xeilson was present, and explained that he was against the sale of Crown lands, but wanted time to develop his policy. The motion was amended to one of regret that the Minister had departed from the leasehold principle even in a small degree. GOVERNMENT BY CAUCUS. Melbourne, February 10. Mr. Fisher, referring to the Times' comment, cabled yesterday, rn caucus methods, said he could not have conceived that anything so puerile would be sent to the English papers. He could not believe that anv responsible journalist would say such a thing. [The Australian correspondent of the Times, m an article on the caucus system, said that even the Premier's privilege of allotting ullicos among the men assigned as his fellow Ministers seems doomed to extinction. The caucus has been attacking a particular Minister, and before Mr. Fisher's term is over he may be ordered to replace one Minister and to transfer another to a different department.]