AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4384, 15 June 1901, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN AFFAIRS.

APPOINTMENTS UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH. CONTROL OF .THE NEW HEBRIDES. MELBOURNE, June 14. In the Federal House, Sir. William Lyne, Minister for Homo Affairs, in moving the second reading of the Public Service Bill, said tho Government was anxious to as far as possible remove the control of the service from members. Ministers proposed the appointment of a Commissioner as permanent head, under a Minister, who would b© responsible for the administration, with two or three sub-Commis-sioner.s and other chief officers to, bo appointed from the State# services, but power was given to appoint from outside if necessary. As no provision was made for pensions, it was proposed that all officers should be compelled to insure thoir lives. All candidates would havo to pass a competitive examination. During the discussion in the Senate on the Postal Bill, the Hon A. Dawson, of Queensland, said his colony had lost £30,000 revenue annually by the prohibition of Tattersall’s sweeps. The Hon Mr McGregor (South Australia) said it was impossible to get rid of gambling. He advocated State Government loti teries. In reply to a question, the Federal Premier (Right Hon E. Barton) repeated his recent assurance with regard to the Now Hebrides, and promised to request the Imperial Government not to conclude any agreement with respect to the islands before communicating with the Commonwealth.