THE COMMONWEALTH

Southland Times, Issue 14578, 19 November 1910, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH

EXPORTERS’ PROTESTS VALUE OE PRODUCE GRADING. (By Telegraph—Press Assor.Utlon—Copyright). MELBOURNE, Nov. 18. Received Nov, IS, 10.50 p.m. In the House of Representatives during the discussion on the Customs Amendment Bill oppositionists accused the Government of placing harassing regulations on exporters. Sir William Lyne said he thought more supervision was necessary in regard to exports. Referring to butter he declared that grading had placed New Zealand far ahead of New South Wales in the London market. Mr Green retorted that New South Wales butter was a long way ahead of New Zealand. Sir William Lyne replied that some exporters objected to Government grading because they wanted to send rotten butter to London, a statement which met with .strong dissent. THE INSURANCE RETORT. MELBOURNE, Nov. IS. The Insurance Commissioner's report recommended that all companies be required to register with the commissioner, to take out a license, to appoint a permanent resident of the Commonwealth as Australian representative with plenary powers; that the companies should lodge witli the Government approved securities to the value of £20,000; furnish an annual revenue account and balance - sheet distinguishing between Commonwealth and extra. Commonwealth items, and a further return showing the amount of unexpired risks on the books, the commissioner to have power to inspect the books and other records . The princple of reinsurance is regarded as essential to successful insurance. The issue of policies undertaking to pay a specified sum irrespective of the amount of loss sustained is considered undesirable. The experiences of various companies should he classified and the rates of premiums deducted from the data. State fire insurance is undesirable. Government property should be insured. The levy on companies for the maintenance of fire brigades should be discontinued. A specified number of adjoining householders should be entitled to obtain an inquiry into the cause of any fire and the expenses of inquiry be borne by the Crwn. It should be an offence ,to employ an unregistered assessor in the adjustment of claims over a specified amount.

VICTORIAN BUTTER EXPORTS. MELBOURNE, Nov. 18. The export of butter from Victoria for the four months was over oleyen millions pounds’ weight, nearly double that for the same period last year. AIDING AGRICULTURE. SYDNEY, Nov, 18. Mr Trefle, Honorary ; Minister, says that if the Government remains in power it will establish twenty-five demonstration farms throughout the State. QUEENSLAND RAILWAY SCHEMES. BRISBANE, Nov. IS. The Premier has unfolded one of the most comprehensive railway schemes ever placed before the State. The special features are a coastal line toRockhampton and Cairns, and a transcontinental line, with branches. MORE PUBLICITY. MELBOURNE, Nov. 38. ' In the Senate Mr Givens moved in favour of more adequate reports of Parliament being made available to the public. There were only seven members in the Chamber, and the motion was carried. - WOMAN’S SUPPRAOE. MELBOURNE. Nov. 18. In the Senate Mr Rae proposed a motion declaring woman suffrage beneficial in its results in Australia, and urging nations enjoying representative government to adopt it; also that a copy of the resolution be cabled to the British Prime Minister. Mr Walker objected that it was an impertinence trying to advise the British Government. The motion was carried. FEDERAL MEASURES. , MELBOURNE, Nov. IS. In the House of Representatives Mr Tudor moved the second reading of the Customs Amending Bill. He explained that it was intended to give the Commonwealth power to prevent the export of goods in order that the standard of Australia’s trade he maintained: also power to deal with smugglers. The debate was adjourned. The Tariff Anomalies Bill passed all stages. The Constitution Alteration Bill was carried through all stages.