AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8237, 15 September 1906, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

THE RECIPROCIIT TREATY. Received September 14, 9.14 a.m. MELBOURNE, September 14. The debato was continued iu the oarly hours of tlio morning. Mr Hughes objected to the treaty because it addoil £IOO,OOO increased taxation to burdens that were already heavy. fie hoped the Government would be content with modifications of the treaty. Mr Wilkes contended that it was "a more huckstering bargain," and not conceived iu the real spirit of reciprocity. Mr Bruce-Smith urged that New Zealand had broken its contract by referring the treaty to a Select Committee. He advocated the Common wealth referring it to the Tariff Commission. After tho defeat of Mr Cook's amendment, Mr Kelly (New South Wales) laovod as au amendment the addition of tho words—"provided that on imports, the products ot the United Kingdom, there shall be collected no duty additiuual to that fixed by the Customs Aofc of 1902.'* Ho said he wiehed to test the bouu fides of ttjoaa who declared themselves in favour of preference to the Mother Country. The amendment was negatived by 28 votes to 11. On the motion of Mr Deabin, a preliminary resolution affirming the principle of the treaty was then put and carried oa the voices. Mr Deakin moved to report progress. He denied that the New Zealand Government had broken its oompaot. It had referred the treaty to a permanent committee, to which all such questions were remitted. The House would have an opportunity of knowing whether any particular items were to |be challenged. If there were any it would be useful to this Parliament to know it. He Bhould alau be prepared to consider any 'items for whioh alterations might be proposed, so -that a recommendation for the change might be considered in New Zealand. They would also be able to receive recommendations of a parallel kind from New Zealand and su pave the way to a mutual settlement. Progress was reported. A SYDNEY PAPER'S COMMENTS. Received September 14, 10.12 a.m. SYDNEY, September 14. The Sydney Morning Herald, dealing with the adverse oritioisms of Mr Deakin's proposals, says:—-The fact is that in respeot to both the reciprocity treaty and the overtures for preferential trade with the Mother Country, Mr Deakin has all along had in view tne forthcoming elections and the raising of the Customs duties. He wants to hide the real issue with the people against Socialism, and under the pretence of Imperial patriotism, and to make another effort for the imposition of what he calls scientific protection, RECIPROCITY WITH SOUTH AFRICA. Reoeived September 14, 10.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, September 14. Mr Deakin has reoeived a letter from South Africa in reference to reciprocity, from whioh he gathers that a definite statement may be expected shortly. GAMBLING SUPPRESSION. TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH FACILITIES. Received September 14, 10.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, Sept. 14. An influential deputation asked the federal Postmaster - General (Mr Chapman) to prevent the use of telephone and telegraph facilities in connection with gambling. It was alleged that the transmission of gambling news was debauching the operators. Mr Chapman expressed full sympathy with the objects of the depu tation. A Bill had been prepared providing for the cutting off of telephones where there was reasonable ground for supposing that they were being used for gambling purposes. No new contracts will be permitted without this provision. I ____—__ STATE DEBTS. Received September 14, 10.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, Sept. 14. A Conference of Premiers, Treasurers, and Leaders of the Opposition will be held m Melbourne shortly to consider the Federal proposals dealing with State debates. ART UNIONS. Reoeived September 14, 10.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, Sept. 14. The State Attoruey-Genoral has refused permission to hold an art union in connection with an Eighthour Day demonstration. SEAMEN'S WAGES. Reoeived September 14, 10.20 a.m. MELBOURNE, Sept. 14. Ad amicable arrangement has been reached between the Steamship Owners' Federation and the Seamen's Union on the question of inorensed wages and alterations of the working conditions. The requests of the seamen were agreed to with a certain important condition, which has not been divulged. Under the agreement the seamen are to be paid £7 per month, the firemen £9, the boatswains £B, and trimmers £7. THE GAMBLING BILL. Reoeived September 14, 10.30 a.m. SYDNEY, September 14. The Gambling Bill passed through Committee in the Legislative Council without further important amendment.

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