AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8235, 13 September 1906, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE RECIPROCAL TREATY. Reoeived September 12, 11.36 p.m. MELBOURNE, September 12. The House of Representatives aro considering the reciprocity treaty with New Zealand in committee. Tbe Hon. A. Deakin pointed out that being a treaty it must be accepted or rejected as a whole. Amendments could qot be made without the assent of New Zealand. He thought they should vote on the resolution as a wnole. If tbe House came to tbe conclusion that some of the duties were injurious to the Commonwealth and that they ought to be set aside, tbe treaty ought still to be accepted, only on the definite condition that these changes were made. If the majority was of tbe opinion that any particular items should be altered, there might be made a recommendation to the Government of New Zealand. On the whole he thought the treaty a fair bargain, and if it were not quite fair to Australia he would be inclined to vote for it as beginning a reciprocal trade between the countries. If tbe House deoided to ask for certain alterations it would be necessary to consider what further concessions would be made to New Zealand. It was a well-balanoed treaty. He bad asked the Customs Department what effeot it would have on the revenue, and was informed "that that was a very difficult matter to estimate, but, taking a normal year's trade, it was thought the treaty would mean an increase of revenue. The Department considered the channels of trade would alter slowly, and in the meantime extra revenue 19 would be reoeived to the extent of £IOO,OOO I yearly or even higher. jUnder the ' New Zealand treaty the duties in some cases would he raised against I Great Britain, but tbe latter was given concessions under tbe special proposals submitted last week. He concluded by stating that any ameodmeat would be fatal to the treaty. Mr Glynn deolared that tbe wrong principle was being followed. In every other part of tbe world countries reduoed the duties against each other, working towards the ideal of freetrade between them. Sir Jonn Quick strongly "objected to any alteration in tbe duties on candles, timber, grain, and fodder. The first two should stand till the Tariff Commisison bad reported on them. As for grain and fodder, he opposed tbe protection of Australian farmers being taken away. He could not see how the duty on Oregon timber would benefit New Zealand. Mr Deakin interjected that the late Mr Seddon regarded that item as a most important one. Sir John Quick declared that Oregon timber was used for purposes for which New Zealand timber was unsuitable. Mr Deakin said that Mr Seddon iraa of opinion that New Zealand timber oculcl take the place of much that was now used. Sir John Quick thought that Mr Seddon bad made a mistake. Mr Edwards pointed out that the general effect of the treaty would be to give an increased protection to manufacturers, Mr Thomas declared that it was "disguised protection." He would vote against the whole proposal. Mr MoColl objected to the treaty being submitted now. It had waited thref years, and could not suffer from delay till next session. It was a "mongrel production."

THE FLOODS IN VICTORIA. LOSS OF STOCK. Received Septemher 12, 9.44 a.m. MELBOURNE, Sept. 12. Four thousand sheep were drowned at the abattoir. The lower Jpart of the township of Eobuca was submerged, and over 80 families were oompelled to vacate their homes. Fifteen hundred aores of orops at a village settlement are under water. Many sheep have perished. I GOLD STEALING. EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COMMISSION. Reoeived September 12,10.30 a.m. PERTH, September 12. The Gold-Stealing Commission is still sitting here. One witness was fined £2O for refusing to attend. Other witnesses showed an inclination to give evasive answers. Bank statements produced showed that over £120,000 worth of gold bad been sold by a few of the wit-1 nesses examined. BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP. Reoeived September 13, 1.4 a.m. SYDNEY, Septemberll2. The National Sports Club was packed to-night to witness the finals of the boxing obampionsbips. In the Featherweight division Fresze (New Zealand) put up a lively tour rounds against Batten, New South Wales, but the latter proved j too clever for his opponent. In tbe\ Middleweight contest Baker, New j South Wales, knocked Nash, New Zealand, out in half a round. In the Lightweights Parbury, New Sooth Wales, beat Mayze New Zealand. In the Heavyweight division Rodd (New South Wales), forfeited to M. Connell, New Zealand. A PILOT CENSURED. Reoeived September 12, 10.33 a.m. BRISBANE, September 12. The Marine Board has oensured Pilot Lee, who was in charge at the time r of the mishap in connection with the grounding of th« Port Chalmers.

CABLE NEWS.

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