THE COMMONWEALTH,

Otago Witness, Issue 2528, 27 August 1902, Page 15

THE COMMONWEALTH,

MELBOURNE, August 21. ' The "Federal House has passed the; clause in the ' Postal Bill permitting; meteorological bureau telegrams to b« sent free.

August 22.

Sir W. J. Lyne announced to theFederal Assembly that the Military Estimates would show a reduction of £150,000 as compared with last year.

The Senate has negatived the clause inserted by the House in the Electoral Bill declaring that State members are capable of nomination for either Federal House.

August 19.

The postal and telegraph services of the Commonwealth for last year resulted in a loss of over £40,000, though the New South Wales, Victorian, and South Australian departments made a profit of £33,000.

Sir Gr. Turner delivers the Federal Budget about the beginning of October. JLie expects the tariff will show a return. of about £8,942,000.

SYDNEY, August 21. The State Treasurer declares that owing to the serious falling off in revenue through the drought and other causes system itic retrenchment in all departments is absolutely necessary. It is believed that one form will be a percentage of reduction in civil service salaries.

August 22.

The Premier states that there is no present intention to retrench the salaries of civil servants, but they will make no increases. The Government must stiictly economise.

BRISBANE, August 21. In the Assembly Mr Cowlcy moved an amendment in favour of the withdrawal of the Income Tax Bill. The Government accepted the amendment as one of want-of-confidence. It was negatived by 55 to 5.

HOBART, August 23. The Constitution Bill introduced in the Assembly provides that the Council consist of 12 and the Assembly of 24 members. Manhood suffrage is the electoi*al qualification for the Assembly and a £10 property qualification, for the Council. No mention w made of the members' honorarium.