AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2223, 4 July 1891, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Sydney, July 1

A curious point has cropped up in connection with the payment of members. It appears that the payment only applied to the last Parliament, and that the new House will require to pass it again for themselves. Sir H. Parkes adheres to the opinion that payment of members was only in force up to the time of the dissolution, but he has stated a case to the AttorneyGeneral for decision. This is a serious matter for the labor party and many others, because although the Lower House may pass the payment again, there is reason to believe that the Council will reject it. July 2. '

Rumours have been current during the past few days that the Parkes Ministry intended to resign, but it is announced that owing to the composition Of the New House the Government have resolved that the only course to ascertain who has a majority is'by a direct resolution after the Ministry have submitted their policy. Melbourne, July 2.

The revenue for the last 12 months shows a decrease of £128,000 as compared with the previous year, and is £292,000 below the late Treasurer's estimate. The railway revenue shows an improvement of £2900. Adelaide, July 2.

The revenue returns of this colony are very gratifying, and show £114,000 in excess of the Treasurer's estimate, and £248,000 increase as compared with the previous year. If the expenditure does not exceed the estimate, which is hardly likely, the surplus will probably be £140,000.

Brisbane, July 1

Parliament was opened yesterday. The Speech from the Throne made reference to Federation and regretted that the prosperity of the colony had been seriously affected by the recent shearing difficulty, owing to which the expenditure had considerably exceeded the revenue. In consequence of the increased expenditure the Government were now called on to observe the strictest economy.