AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 13

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

Plans For New Session

(Rec. 9 p.m.) CANBERRA, February 17: When the Governor-General (Sir William Slim) opened the 23rd Commonwealth Parliament today the ceremony was televised for the first time. Sir William Slim outlined the Governments legislative proposals for the new Parliament.

He said the Government would: Legislate for a uniform divorce and marriage law. Re-introduce early its legislation to reform the Australian

banking system. Set up a competent and independent public investigation of Commonwealth taxation laws. Very shortly, in association with the States, appoint an impartial committee of inquiry into the dairy industry. Accelerate the development of both international and country centre airports in preparation for new jet and turbo-prop aircraft. Give preliminary consideration to means of extending television to major provincial and country centres.,

Sir William Slim said the Government would ■ “with energy" continue to promote the defences of the nation, with emr'.iasis on providing highly trained and wellequipped emergency forces. These forces could then make a prompt contribution in any emergency in support of "national security and treaty obligations.” In addition to setting up a decimal coinage inquiry committee the Government would establish a committee to inquire into the Bills of Exchange Act. The Government would shortly be in a position to review the shipbuildin- subsidy arrangement at present under examination by the Tariff Board. Sir William Slim said the Government had decided on one law of marriage and divorce for Australia. That law should make suitable provision for marriage guidance and other means of preserving marriages and safeguarding the interests ot children.

The bill to be brought down in the present session was based on a private members’ bill introduced in the last Parliament, he said. A Liberal member, Mr J. McLeay was re-elected unanimously as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

21,000 MINERS ON STRIKE

Serious Clashes In Belgium

MONS (Belgium), February 16. State police used tear gas and fire hoses today to prevent about 2000 miner, freeing four men arrested earlier during disturbances connected with a strike by 21,000 miners. An old woman wks trampled in the clash and was rushed to hospital. The workers had marched on Mons gaol from the nearby village of Quaregnon where a mass demonstration was held to protest against the closing of uneconomic mines in the area. Reuters reported that 21.000 miners employed at 14 pits went on strike this morning in protest against plans to close file unproductive pits. British United Press said that many shops and small industries in the Belgian “black country" closed in sympathy. Workers in four of eight steel mills went on strike in support of the miners. Road and tram traffic was blocked in Frameries and Aturages by coal waggons and tree trunks thrown across roads. In some areas, cobble-stones had been ripped from the streets.

West Indians Win.—The West Indian cricket team completed the Indian part of its tour of India and Pakistan yesterday by beating North Zone.—Amritsiff, February 16.