AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 154, 5 December 1914, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

IN THE FEDERAL HOUSE. THE BUDUET. GREATER PREFERENCE TO raUAIiN. ; By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, December 4. In his Budget speechi, Mr. Fisher stated tiliat the new tariff was hurriedly prepared in the absenc of the inter-, State Commissioners report. It was anprepared in the absence of the interan additional il.iaO/MK), and the Customs £2T)O/MO. live: military and navy estimates provided an increase ,o'f £750,000. Fleet construction required. £'2aO, j 000, which would be devoted/ to a new I light cruiser. The estimated outlay on military forces was f1'2,254,500. The [ Government intended to commence the j construction of flying machines.

Mi l\» ce lias saiu-ticncd the construltion of a copper-dam at Cockatoo Island, which is estimated to cost £30,000. Its purpose is t'lte launching of the cruiser Brisbane.

The Minister of Customs explains that the chief inereiues in the new tariff include an almost general advance of 5 to 10 per cent, in the preference given t> tho United Kingdom, by advancing foreign duties to that extent. The increases of duty for revenue purpurposes- are confined to beer, wines, spirits and tobacco. Other pur-sly protective duties are levied principally on hats, confectionery, biscuits, pianos, machines, binder twines, a-'so on timber, which is raised from 3 to 5 per cent. IX THE STATE PARLIAMENTS. Perth, December 4. The Governor opened Parliament. The Speaker (.Mr. Troy; was ro-eleeted. The Governor's sipeeeJii referred to the effects of the war and the drought. The. session would be devoted to financial measures for the relief of settlers and tho unemployed. No controversial measures would be submitted. Melbourne, December 4. Tho 24th Victorian Parliament has commenced. The Governor stated that fhe session would W occupied with making provision for Rio .services for •Hie year.