AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 11543, 30 November 1900, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. THE PROTECTIONIST PLATFORM. Sydney, November 29. The following is adopted as the Protectionist platform for the Federal elections: No alteration in the Commonwealth Bill till it has had a fair trial; discriminatory protective tariff; preferential tariff in favour of Britain; a white Australia; volunteer system of defence; uniform old age pensions; national bank of issue. THE GOVERNOR OF FIJI AND NEW, ZEALAND. Sydney, November 29. The Telegraph, in commenting on the speech of the Governor of Fiji, strongly condemns the use of such arguments, and adds:— plain inference is that the natives are to resist any change from the present form of Government. Coming from such a functionary, these views are inexplicable. No doubt, when the affair is reported to the Imperial Government, which Mr. Seddon will doubtless see to, steps will be immediately taken to inquire into it. That much the Government should do, if only in self-defence against this, extraordinary attack from tlr., very last quarter where it could be expected. THE DESTITUTE POOR. Melbourne, November 29. The Premier announced that he intended to ask Parliament for fifty to sixty thousand pounds to make provision for the destitute poor while the whole question of old age pensions is being threshed out. FIRE AT BROKEN HILL. Sydney, November 29. A fire at, Broken Hill destroyed e?ven shops. NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT. Sydney, November £9. The Assembly has passed loan estimates of £2,700,000. They include the items, £128,000,. to cover the South African contingents, and £84,000, for eradicating the plague. Sir Wm. Lyne announced that he <voyld reintroduce the Industrial Arbitration and Women's Franchise Bills early next session. Meantime he would appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the question of arbitration in New Zealand and elsewhere. He added that the Council would be given an opportunity of passing the reintroduced Bills before an appeal was made to the country. If they failed to past them, they must lie taught that they were not there to p!ay at politics. THE RATE OF WAGES IN THE SHIPPING TRADE. Sydney, November 29. Prominent officials of the maritime unions state that they are determined to press tbo demand for an increase of wages made at the Melbourne Conference. At the same time they are willing to consider any reasonable compromise offered by the steamship owner?. THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. ' Melbourne, November 29. The Government have accepted a lender for £19,000 for alterations to the western annexe of the Exhibition Building vo accomodate the Federal Parliament. -J7OOO will be spent in furnishing and fittings.