AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9919, 7 September 1895, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association.—Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. ELECTION OP A MODERATOR. Sydney, September 6. The Rev. Mr. McSwaine has been appointed Moderator of the Federal Assembly. NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT. Sydney, September 6. In the Assembly, after a protracted sitting, the Land and Income Tax Bill passed through committee. The nonapplication of the absentee tax to absentees residing in other Australasian colonies is the only important amendment. The exemption of £475 land, and £300 income was unaltered, though several attempts were made to reduce the amounts. The proposals to place money paid to charities amongst the exemptions was negatived. STATE ADVANCES. Adelaide, September 6. The Chamber of Commerce has issued a lengthy reply to the Treasurer's advocacy of the State Advances Bill. lb states that the Chamber, representing the commercial interest of the colony, is unanimous in declaring that the Bill is based on a wrong principle. Its practical operation will constitute a menace to the financial stability of the community. Never in the history of the colony has money ruled at cheaper rates, and while recognising the relief which cheap money gives, the Bill is so devoid of sound economic principles that it is deluding to the producer and prejudicial to vigorous national life. In Canada Government advances had to be abandoned, because they complicated the State finances, and fomented jealousy and discontent. In New Zealand the scheme contained more safeguards, bub was already producing trouble, as the relaxation of conditions prescribed by' the Acb and essential .to safety is demanded, and has virtually been promised.

THE RAILWAY ACTIONS. Sydney, September 6. In the Redfern accident Edward Fallick, who claimed £2000, was awarded £640. THE FEDERATION QUESTION. Adelaide, September 6. The Premier, in replying to the Premier of Victoria, stated that he proposes to push on the Federal Bill if early action by New South Wales cannot be arranged. THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. Adelaide, September 6. The Premier has promised that the House will be given an opportunity to discuss the New Zealand treaty next week. THE DROUGHT. Brisbane, September 6. Owing to the drought the wheab crop on the Darling Downs will be a failure. THE BUSH FIRES. Brisbane, September 6. Bush fires have swept the Mount Cotton district. Twenty-five acres of bananas, a largo area of crops, and many cattle were burned. THE GOVERNOR OF QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, September 6. The Governor has booked his passage to London by the steamer Ruapehu, leaving Wellington on November 28. THE QUEENSLAND LABOUR PARTY. Brisbane, September 6. During a debate in Committee of Supply, the Labour party accused the Government of employing political spies to go through the country creating crimes. The charge was indignantly denied. PRAYERS FOR RAIN. Sydney, September 6. Cardinal Moran has instructed the clergy to pray for rain. • BUTTER EXPORT. Melbourne, September 6. Aba meeting of the Butter Export Commission the managers of the Orienb and P. and O. Company's gave evidence that during the hot months a large proportion of the butter received for shipment was ab a temperature over 50deg., ranging as high as 70deg. Expert evidence was also given fchab when heated butter was frozen it went rotten on being heated, and should nob bo sent on board at a higher temperature than 45deg.