FEDERAL POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3199, 27 May 1909, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS.

THE LABOUR PROGRAMME. SIR W. LYNE AND COALITION. 'Jnited Pvess Association-By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Recreived May 26, 10 a.m. MELBOURNE, May 26. The Labour Party, at a caucus held yesterday, discussed a programme to submit to Parliament at the opening to-day. Sir .William Lyne is very sore over the fusion proposals. He said that under no condition whatever could he join forces with the men whom Mr Deakin is said to have moulded into union.

OPENING OF THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. Received May 26, 8.10 p.m. MELBOURNE, May 26. The Federal Parliament was opened to-day. The Earl of Dudley, GovernorGeneral, in his speech stated that the customs and excise duties during the year were less than was anticipated when the Budget was delivered, while the revenue estimated from the Post and Telegraph was not likely to be iuily r»t withstanding the decreases by caieful economy and administration. A larger sum* than the amount estimated had been placed as a trust fund to r pay old age pensions. Parliament would be asked to consider the financial relations of the Commonwealth, and States with a view to arriving at an equitable adjustment. Proposals would be submitted for a silver and paper currency. Defence proposals were referred to in the terms of the policy already declared by Mr Fisher.

MR DEAKIN ELECTED LEADER

OF NEW PARTY. Received Mav 26. 11.35 p.m. MELBOURNE, May 26. The Opposition parties have accepted fusion of proposals, Mr Deakin was unanimously elected leader. The form of attack on the Government has not yet been decided on. A Land Tax Assessment Bill to be introduced, provides for an absentee owner being taxed to the full unimproved value, while an owner not an absentee is granted exemption up to 5,000 acres. The House ha 3 adjourned.