FEDERAL POLITICS

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 25

FEDERAL POLITICS

MELBOURNE, August 12. The Federal Parliament was opened today.

The newly-elected Speaker (Mr Johnson) appeared in the fully-restored insignia of office—wig, gown, and knee brecchee—which the late Government dispensed with.

After feeling references by Mr Cook and others the Housp carried a motion of condolence in connection with the death of Sir William Lyne.

Mr Cook tabled the Government programme which foreshadowed an amendment in the electoral law with a view to purifying the rolls, restoring the postal vote, modifying the provisiona in regard to absentee -voting, and removing the restrictions on the discussion of public questions during elections. Mr Cook declared that th# rolls had been unduly inflated, so much so that ths number of persons on the rolls on May 31 was largely in excess of the whole number eligible for enrolment in the Commonwealth.

He reiterated the intention of tbs Government to abolish preference to unionists in the public service, to amend the Conciliation and Arbitration law so as to prohibit preference being granted by the court to members of any organisation whose funds were directly or indirectly applicable to political purposes, and to restore the exemption of rural workers from the operation of the Act. Hie Government intends to maintain its accepted protective policy, but a revision of tho tariff ie promised according to recommendations which tho recentlyappointed Interstate Commission may make.

The question of reciprocal trade relatione with the sister dominions is receiving the earnest attention of the Government.

Touching on naval defence and Imperial interests in the Pacific the Government suggests the advisability of a conference at an early date. Communications - on the matter are now being addressed to the Imperial Government. Other proposals include a schema of national insurance cu a contributory basis, embracing sickness, accident, maternity, widowhood, and unemployment, also ( superannuation scheme for the civil service, retiring allowances for the army and navy, the development of the Northern Territory, a uniform gauge on the main railways, a commission to manage the Postal Department, co-operation with tin States in connection with immigration, thi amalgamation of the Commonwealth and States savings banks, and the taking over of the public debts of the States. August 15. In the Federal House of Representatives to-day Mr Fisher warmly attacked the Government’s proposals, which hi described as retrogressive and a timemarking policy He concluded by moving an amendment to the Addross-in-reply, regretting that the Government’s proposals aimed at destroying the beneficial character of the social and industrial laws, that they indicated no intention to take steps to reduce the high cost of living, and failed to revise the tariff. On the motion of Mr Cook the debate and the House were adjourned. In view of Mr Fisher’s amendment the Senate has adjourned till the 27th inst. August 14. Mr Cook resumed the censure debate to-day. He complained that the Opposition’s methods were blocking business, and said that if it was intended to continue blocking it was better that the country should know it immediately. H« traversed Mr Fisher’s charges, and concluded by saying : “We are against privilege, favouritism, and preference. We stand for freedom, a square deal, and just relatione between all members of thi community.” August 15. The censure debate is proceeding, and is expected to last well into the coming week. After a special Labour caucus the Opposition Whip notified the Liberal Whip that no pairs would be granted In connection with the censure division. Mr Cook considers that the Opposition is not playing a fair game. After all its protestations that it intended to help tho Government the fact was becoming apparent that its one object was to prevent the Government from 'doing anything. Doubtless the country was looking on, find would appreciate the tactica a( their full value