Australian Politics.

Southland Times, Issue 19116, 5 August 1903, Page 2

Australian Politics.

AGAINST LA BO Hi LEGISLA- [ TION. WON'T DO. Per United Press Association. By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright. ADELAIDE, Aug. 1 The Chamber of Commerce has adopted a resolution that the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Bill is unnecessary and an unjustifiable invasion of the rights of each State to govern its own domestic affair^, strongly condemning the compulsory clauses, and demanding the appointment of a royal commission to enquire into the effect of similar legislation in New Zealand and elsewhere. The resolution' further declared that the whole tendency of such legislation was calculated to restrict enterprise, hamper development, nnd de- , a troy the commerce of Australia. Notices have been posted on railway stations that, after 17th August, 9 J- hours will constitute a day's work throughout the service, with certain exceptions. Subsequently, after a Cabinet meeting, notice WUS posted that tho matter had been postponed for further 'consideration. The Labour Party strongly oppose, any interference-with the eight hours system, and threaten to combine with the Opposition if the Government attempt to increase the hours. MELBOURNE, Aug. _. STARTING WELL. Received sth, <\l7 a.m. }{\ tlie Federal Houye several jjetitions were presented in favour of tho prohibition of the importation or sale of intoxicating liquor in New Guinea. In the New Guinea Bill, in committee, a new clause was added prohibiting the importation, manufacture or sale of intoxicants or opium in the territory, excepting for medicinal purposes and on the order of a doctor, and repealing the present laws allowing of production and sales. Mr Manger, who moved the clause, stated that there were fourteen licensees in the territory, and it was scarcely credible that they could all got a living from the 500 whites resident in New Guinea. Tho assumption therefore was that much of the liquor got into the hands of natives. Sir E. Barton and Mr G. IT. Reid opposed prohibition and' contended that the present legislation was working well. Another new clause was adopted, providing that 3 per cent, of the territorial revenue of each year shall be devoted to the maintenace and welfare of the aborigines. Sir P. Fysh said nothing bad yet been paid by the Federal Govornhient in respect of existing acroemen ts between States and the .Eastern Extension Telegraph ,Ct>., ibut £21.000 on the estimates for new lines involved an agreement between the Commonwealth and the company.