AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 13

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Press Association— By Telegraph— Copyright. Sydney, June 22. At a meeting of the Government party it was decided that tLo issue to be placed before the electors at the forthcoming general t lections should be solely as to tho question of Protection. Jane 25. Parliament has dissolved, and tbe general election will be held on July 17. The Premier has issued a manifesto stating that the first; qaestion which will press the new Parliament for immediate solution will be the regulation of the alienation of public lands mainly based on the bill recently btfore Parliament. The second question will be local government, and the third the regulation and control of tbe finances. The Government will afford every opportunity of discussing the unity of Australia, and will introduce a complete measure of sanitary legislation ; also bills to regulate coal mine*, the introduction of coloured labour, and an amendment of the navigation laws. Jane 26. The dissolution of Parliament came as a surprise, as it was not expected before July 10. Mr Reid, Leader of the Opposition, consides it a bit of sharp practice, and that it has been done in order to confuse tho opponents of the Government. The Minister for Lands proposes to largely substitute land leases, with, a right of parchase; also to appraise the unimproved value and fix rents from 1£ to 2£ per ceet. on that value for the whole period of the lease, which has been fixed at 28 years, with the option of renewal. With regard to village settlements, the same terms are to be allowed, and the Minister adds that the3e settlements may be worked as a community or on individualistic line?. Tbe leaseholder, instead of mortgaging, may take a portion of his holdirjg as a freehold and sell that, instead of borrowing on the wbole. Melbourne, June 22. In the Assembly Mr Isaacs moved the second reading of the Libel Bill, wbioh is intended to safeguard newspapers publishing accurate reports of meetings. Tbe Treasurer, Mr Carter, opposed the bill, and in doing so said many of the newspapers had abused their powers. He urged that all articles should be signed and papers be licensed, so that if any of them offended against public morals they weald be sappressed. The Attorney - general, Sir B. O'Loghlen also opposed the measure, contending that the press bad already too much power. Tbe debate was adjourned. June 2G. In consequence of Sir G, R. Dibbs objecting to communicate with Mr Henniker Heaton re penny postage, the Victorian Premier (Sir J. B. Patterson) has dropped that idea. Brisbane, June 22. Sir T. M'llwraith has replied to Sir J. B, Patterson, Premier of Victoria, stating thar, his Government do not favour the Imperial penny postage proposal. June 25. Parliament meets next month. HobAKT, June 22. The Legislative Assembly has passed ths Customs, Income, and Probate Daties Bills. Tho Government will introduce the Land Tax Bill next wick.' During the passage of the Oastoms Bill the Protectionists increased the duties generally on imported artie'ea whioh o:ulU be nude locally, but refused to increase those on meat and wheat.