AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10418, 22 July 1895, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. ■■.ff'" t, MBLBOUBNB, July* 20. The Premier hss written to the other Premiers calling attention to the resblntaong passed at ths last meeting of the Federal Council in favour of federal quarantine stations at Albany and Cooktowa, and asking that action be taken to establish them. Tasmania replied that she was unable to co-operate unless Hobart were*, mado* a federal station. New South Wales.; and West Australia concur in .the resolution; and Queensland is agreeable, but ■ s<%gests Thursday Island instead of Cooktown.

Lord Hopetoun has cabled to the Premier stating that he does not intend. to draw half the salary as Governor of Victoria to which he is entitled, as he has accepted the post of Paymaster-general in the Salisbury Ministry. This saves the colony aboot LIOOO.

Mr Lochhead, Railway Commissioner, said in the course ot his speech thut the cost'of working 3000 mfle3 of Victorian railway to-day was exactly the same as when tbey had 2000 miles. The revenue w»s about the same, and the deficit about equalled the interest of the cost of constructing this extra 1000, miles. If the loans conld be converted into 3 per cents: at a reasonable irate there would be no defioit.

Adelaide, July 20. In the Assembly Mr Granger moved the Second, reading of the Pnblichouses Monopoly Prevention Bill, which will enable publicans to buy beer and spirits where they please. It does not prohibit brewers and spirit merchants from, owning houses, or lending on bills of sale. It provides for-a modification of the Gothenburg system, enabling fche Government or the local authority or a company, under rulos approved of by the Treasurer, to purchase hotels at-a valuation. The Premier, on behalf or the Government, agreed to support the bill co far ao the abolition of tbe monopoly-was concerned. The debate stands adjourned. Mr Granger expects a majority, of' 20 or 30 on tbe second reading, but he believes that the Gothenburg clause will be erased in Committee.

At a large meeting of commercial men it was decided to wait, on the Government and express disapproval of the State A&vancea Bill.

Sydney, July 20. Polling day is declared a public holiday.. Hobaut, July 20. The Governor's asssnt haa beien given to the introduction of an Appropriation Bill authorising the issue of half-a-*a_iflio_t of 3i per cent, local stock. * ■ "