AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 318, 6 July 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

LAND SETTLEMENT. By Oable—Prate A*»ociation—Copyright. Sydney, July 5. A deputation of pastoralists and stock breeders protested to Mr. Beeby against the proposed wholesale resumption of properties on the railways. Mr. Beeby replied that the Government was constructing twelve new railways this year, and must encourage, and, if necessary, force settlement in the areas served by these railways. The progress of the country centred in immigration. The question was approaching a crisis, when (he people would demand a new principle of land ownership, whereby the land served by the railways must be put to the fullest use. He advised them to stave off the evil da}' and to assist the Government by voluntarily dividing their holdings. THE FEDERAL HOUSE. Melbourne, July 5. The Senate passed supply and adjourned to the 17th. THE VICTORIAN CENSURE DEBATE.' Received 5, 11.45 p.m. Melbourne, July 5. The censure debate has been adjourned till Tuesday. A NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION. Perth, July 5. In the Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition moved a no-confidence motion, on the ground that the Government, without the authority of Parliament, had expended State funds in trading enterprises. The debate was adjourned. Perth, July 5. Tn the Assembly the Leader of the Opposition's want of confidence motion was defeated by 28 to 8. QUEENSLAND. DEAR MONEY. Received 5. 0.50 p.m. Brisbane, July 5. In the Assembly Mr. Stoddart was elected Chairman of Committees. In moving the suspension of the Standing Orders, with a view to dealing with the loan proposals, he said that it was intended to float a loan of two and a half millions. The Government's financial advisers recommended higher interest to ensure the successful flotation. It. was, therefore, proposed to pass a Bill to increase the rate of interest from 3% per cent, to 4 per cent. The financial position of the State was excellent, and justified paying a higher rate. It was also proposed to pass a Bill authorising the issue of Treasury bills of a five years' currency in the event of the market not proving responsive to a longdated loan. Mr. Bowman declared that the Government's extravagance was unwarranted. The Opposition was helping to rush Bills through. He moved to fix the interest at 3% per cent.