THE COMMONWEALTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2467, 26 June 1901, Page 18

THE COMMONWEALTH.

MELBOURNE, June 18. The Federal Cabinet are discussing the question of the relationship of the islands of the Pacific to the Commonwealth. Nothing has been revealed as to the trend of the discussion. The State Parliament opens to-day. The following new members have been returned to fill the vacancies created by the Federal elections: — Gippsland North, Mr Keogh ; Avoca, Mr Mitchell ; Gunbower, Mr Cullen ; Benalla, Mr Hall ; Footscray, Mr Fotheringham ; Fitzroy, Mr O'Connor. Parliament has opened. The LieutenantGovernor's Speech indicated that steps will be taken to abolish the trade coupon system. Extreme caution will also be exercised over the State finances. A bill will' be introduced to make -the Old-age Pensions Act a permanent measure, also a proposal to abolish the present educational system, payment to be by results instead of a fixed scheme of salaries for teachers. The Federal Parliament entertained the members of the State Parliament at dinner. Lord Hopetoun, in his speech, eulogised the wonderful orderliness of the Australian crowds. He valued the opportunity that he had had of becoming acquainted with the people. He had spent the best years of his life in Victoria, and he loved Australia. June 20. In the Federal Parliament it was stated that the Commonwealth would require 57,000 Lee-Enfields, costing £274,000, to fully equip Australia's volunteer forces. There Avas a long debate in the Federal House as to whether Ministers should tak the £400 a year provided in the Constitution Act as member's allowance in addition to their salaries. It has been the custom iv the State Parliaments to forgo the allowance when taking the salary attached to an office. By 30 to 22, it was agreed that Ministers should take the allowance. June 21. The Federal Government intend to take over the administration of the Northern Territory as soon as the financial and other necessary arrangements have been made. The Federal Government expended £43,000 on the naval and military displays in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane over the royal vibit. The Premier of Tasmania has protested against the Postal Bill interfeung with conducting Tattersall's sweep through the post office as an infringement of the State rights of Tasmania. Mr Barton replied that the federation had the power to legislate in the direction proposed. HOBART, June 23. The Premier, in reply to Mr Baiton, contends that the post office was handed over to the Federal authorities for general convenience, not for curtailing the control of local affairs, even though such curtailment is uniform throughout all the States ;_ further, that the Federal Parliament cannot, directly or indirectly, deal with any matters outside those submitted to it. LONDON, June 20. Major-general Pole-Carew, addressing his tenantry, referred to the fact that his nam©

vas being mentioned in connection with the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth Forces. He said that the press knew more about the matter than he did, but if duty called him to Australia he would obey the call.