AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 56, 20 October 1911, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Melbourne, October 19

A petition, signed by four thousand postal servants, has been presented co the Federal House in opposition to the Government’s proposal to bring public servants under the provisions of the Arbitration Act. It is urged in the petition that from time immemorial Parliament has been the final appeal court for servants of the Crown, and that the introduction of the Arbitration Court would rob Parliament of its prerogative. The inter-State conference of Postal and Telegraphic assistants resolved in favour of a plebiscite on the question of becoming affiliated to a political league. (Received 20, 8.5 a.m.) Melbourne, October 20. Mr. Roberts joins the Federal Cabinet as an honorary Minister. (Received 20, 8.50 a.m.) Melbourne, October 20.

In the Senate, Mr Milieu made a slashing attack on the now Electoral Bill. Ho said by abolishing the Postal Vote it would disfranchise about 30,000 women and infirm persons who voted last election.

Y >Tho fixing of polling day on Saturday would prevent Hebrews and other religious sects from voting, while the right of a candidate to ask for a recount was practically abolished. The Hill would handicap the Labour Party, though so hamstringing the Opposition as to make its own position more secure; but if any reliance could bo placed on the justice of the community, the Government had really erected a gallows. The Mayor, speaking at the reception of the Agent-General, voiced th'o view that Queensland should retain her individuality and paddle her own canoo instead of merging herself with the other States under Federation.