FEDERAL POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 518, 27 May 1909, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

PARLIAMENT OPENED. FINANCES AND THE STATES. PENSIONS PROVIDED FOR DESPITE- A FALL INiREVENUE. . (nrTEtEoiiArn— piiess associaiion—coriiuoHT.l (Rec. May 26, 8.10 p.m.) Melbourne, N May 26. Tho Federal Parliament was opened to-day by the Governor-Goncra], Lord Dudley. The Governor's Speech stated that Customs and excise,duties during the year .were less than was anticipated 'when the Budget was delivered]' while the-revenue-estimated ,to come from tho Post and Telegraph Department was not likely to be fully realised. Notwithstanding theso decreases, by careful economy in administration a larger sum than tho amount estimated had been placed to the Trust Fund established-to pay old age pensions.- .' : Parliament would ho asked to consider thi financial relations of the Commonwealth and the States with a view to an equitablo adjustment. Proposals would be submitted for silver coinage, and the establishment of a State paper currency. ; The defence proposals were referred to in terms of the policy already declared by Mr. Fisher, tho Prime Minister. THE POWER OF THE CAUCUS. ;i • Melbourne, May. 26. .-' The Labour party, at a caucus.held yesterday, discussed the programme to bo submitted to Parliament at the opening to-day. .; A UNITED OPPOSITION. SIR WM. LYNE ON THE DEAKIN-COOK • FUSION.,.'^. ■• Melbourne, May 26. Sir Win. Lyne (who was Federal Treasurer in the. last. Dcakin Government) is very sore over the proposed fusion between the Dcakin and Cook parties, which has been agreed on by Messrs. Deakin arid Cook, subject to ratification by their respective fallowings. • Sir William states that, under no condition whatever,can ho join forces with the men whom Mr. Deakin is said to have moulded into union. - LAND TAX BILL. ABSENTEES TAXED ON UNIMPROVED ' '~ ; ';. VALUE. ■/-,;■■■ ■■'■■: (Rcc. May 26, 11.35 p.m.) - ..''.■ Melbourne, May 26. The Government's Land Tax Assessment Bill Has been introduced. It provides that absentee owners shall be taxed to the'full unimproved value, while owners not absentee shall bo granted exemption of £5000. ' Tho Houseiias adjourned. ';

FUSION CONFIRMED. , OPPOSITION UNITED UNDER MR. DEAKIN. (Rco. May 26, 11.35 p.m.) Melbourne, May 26. The Dcakin, and Cook Opposition parties have, accepted the fusion arrangement. Mr. Doakin-has been unanimously elected leader. The form of:attack on the Government has not yet been decided on.'