AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 32

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

*»> MELBOURNE, July 23. The Postal Rates Bill has been introduced into the House of Representatives. It provides for a penny letter rate. BRISBANE, July 24. j Three members were nominated for the Speakership. and a good deal of personality was imported into the discussion. Eventually all three candidates wen© rejected, and at the Premier's suggestion tli-e matter -was allowed to &t>£LXL<l over for a few hours. Tiwm Mr Leahy was again nominated, and tho Premier supported him. He was elected by 45 to 20, the , minority consisting of the Labour party. ! There are indications of a coalition be- j tween the Government and the Opposition, and the throwing over of tho. Labour party. July 25. In the Legislative Assembly the Premier (Mr Kidston) moved the postponement of the debate on the Address-in- ' Reply till Tuesday. He stated that there were three parties of almost equal J strength. He thought one of the parties j in opposition would have made a pretence of supporting the Government. Had it done so it would have been his duty to retain office. He moved the postponement of the debate to give an opportunity to further consider the position. The House adjourned until Tiveeday. It ie understood that a coalition will be arranged between Mr Philp and Mr Kklston, j