AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 977, 18 November 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

THE.DEFENCE BILL. A MINISTERIAL REVERSE. By Teksraph—Press Association—ConyrteliC ■ Melbourne, November 17. Tho Federal House, of Representatives made good progress with tho Defence Bill. -in amendment, that persons serving for three years in the forces may, before they are twenty-seven years old, enter the Military College upon passing an examination; was carried against tho Government by 30 Votes.to 12. Mr. . Hughes, Acting-Prime Minister, asked the Chairman to report progress/ so that other business might be proceeded with. ■■■'•.:.■ ■ . . ■ • • In the Senate, botli the Constitution Alteration Bills were carried by the requisite majority. AIT the Senators were present. ' , . The Government was adversely criticised over' the delay in completing tho wireless .telegraphy contracts. . f'A DENIAL OF JUSTICE.". Melbourne, November 17. The State Attorney-General statos there must be a change in the, law, as the present system of litigation amounts to a denial of justice except for the wealthy. REPORT OF THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS, IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS. (Rec. November 18, 0.55 a.m.) Melbourne, November 17. In the Federal HoUso of .Representatives tho report of the Insurance Commissioners was tabled. It recommends the enactment of a Federal law dealing with the subject of fire insurance only, and that the administration of the Act bo entrusted .to Commonwealth insurance commissioners.- It makes a number of other important recommendations. NEW SOOTH WALES PARLIAMENT. THE LAND QUESTION. (Rec. November 18, 0.55 a.m.) ' .Sydney, November 17. The debate is proceeding, in tho Assem-; •bly on Mr. Lee's amendment regretting as inimical to the. best interests' of the State the conduct of the, Government in connection■ with the ,-.'■ administration ,of public lands in : refusing, the people, the right to acquire in future the freehold df such lands.for settlement purposes. .Mr. David Storey, Leader,'of the Independent party, said ho disapproved of the amendment. . ' ' '