AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10405, 19 July 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

United Press Association.— By Elea trio Telegraph —Copyright. . Sydney, July 18 The Federal Government is inquiring into its powers for dealing with the American Beef Trust Mr Fisher stated Shat the Cabinet was aware of the operation ot oer tain trusts, and was determined to protect legitimate industry. • Melbourne, July 18. The House carried an amended resolution plaoinf? fcbe outside liaaife (excepting a few specialised instances.) at 65 minutes for members speeches, and not allowing more than two speeches of 20 minutes each on any question in Committee. Adealide, JJnly 18. The Governor opened Parliament. The Speech indicated no fresh .taxation. The opening of the Federal Savings Bank w&s characterised as an impudent attack on the States’ Savings Banks. Legislation would be introduced to coanter this. Railway extension in various parts was promised. Received July ,19. 9 a.m. Melbourne, July 19. A Bill to amend the Referendum Aofhaa been introduced. It provides for abolition of postal voting and organisations spending money So support opposition to a submitted to the Referendum must make a return 'of snob expenditure, and similarly* newspaper* mast make returns' of advertisements and articles intended or calculated to affect the result of the referendum, with the payments received therefor. Penalties for untrue returns or failure td make retsrns range from £SO to £SOO, with the alternative of six months’ imprisonment. All articles commenting on the issues involved must ba signed. ■ For supplying material inducements to influence votes or giving or receiving bribes the penalty is £2OO with the alternative of a year's imprisonment. Received July 19, Ipm. Perth, July 19.|S The Legislative Council by ten to seven passed the amended address „