FEDERAL POLITICS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1732, 10 May 1905, Page 56

FEDERAL POLITICS

TRADE WITH NEW ZEALAND.

MELBOURNE, May 2

Mr Allan McLean, Minister of Customs,' referring to the suggestion of Mr O’Sullivan that an effort should be mado to develop trade with New Zealand, said he had always been in favour of preferential trade with the Empire, and he would be inclined to grant a privilege to New Zealand in common with other parts of the Empire. The fact of New Zealand’s proximity could be taken as a factor for stimulating any such movement.

Mr McLean added that lie could only speak in general terms, as the matter had not come before him in an official sense. It must not be forgotten, however, that Now Zealand might become a formidable competitor with Australia in barley, oats, liorse-feed, and other non-perishable agricultural products.

THE GOVERNMENT THREATENED.

INTRIGUE REPORTED.

MELBOURNE, May 2

A good deal of intriguing is going on with a view to breaking up the ReidMcLean coalition.

Same members of the Opposition propose the formation of a Liberal Alliance, which will have for its policy the Labour party’s views, minus its nledge and its avowal in favour of Socialism. The re-opening of the tariff question will also be one of its important features.

The intriguers hope to attract Mr Deakin, ex-Premier, as leader. The TTon A. Isaacs is not considered to carry sufficient weight for the position.

A FALLING REVENUE

MELBOURNE, May 2

The Comm on wealth revenue returns for ten months show a decrease of £377,000. It seems likely that the Treasurer’s estimate for the year will fall short by £IOO,OOO. Tlio decrease is mainly in spirits, narcotics, sugar, and metals.

RE-ESTIMATES

MELBOURNE, May 2.

Sir George Turner, the Federal Treasurer, re-estimates the revenue for the year at £11,312,000, instead of £11,570,000. The surplus, returnabla to the States is re-estimated at £G,980,000, instead of £7,139,000.