THE COMMONWEALTH.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13942, 30 June 1909, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH.

. —. —- NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. Piv..ss Association-By Telegraph-Copyright Received 8.40 p.m., .Time 29th. SYDNEY, June 29. The Governor's speech-at the opening of Parliament referred 'to - the son ml and. satisfactory, condition of the public linances, the growth, of the. export of primary products, and that Ministers attached the ..• highest- importance to closer settlement. , They proposed to acquire further estates suitable for settlement, and also proposed in the immediate future to extend the operations of the immigration bureau with a. view of attracting increased settlers: Special, attention would he paid to forestry, .with the object of properly protecting ond developing the timber resources of the State. .Amongst other measures proposed was-a Bill, to protect women engaged in factories by prohibiting their employment at Might time. The speech expressed -he opinion "that the Premiers' Conference proposals in reference to the financial relations with the Commonwealth were so equitable that they would receive the most favourable treatment at the hands of the Commonwealth. •Received 12.55 a.m., -T"»e 30th. -Motion of censure. At a meeting this afternoon, the Opposition decided to submit a motion of censure. Mr MeGowen, in the House, after condemning the policy of the Government, especially as regards land settlement, moved 'an. amendment that nothing short of a graduated land tax would adequately meet the needs of closer settlement, and until lands are freed by this means it is criminal to bring immigrants to swell tho ranks of the unemployed. The motion also condemns the act of the Government in connection with the retirement, ofthe Chief Justice. Mr Wade is replying. MINISTERIAL CHANGES. BRISBANE, June 29. Parliament was informally opened to-day. The following changes have been, made in the Ministry:—Mr Barnes succeeds Mr Barlow as Minister of Instruction, Mr Jackson takes the portfolio of Mines, in place of Mr Appel, who becomes Home Secretary, and Mr Bell, late Home Secretary, was' elected Speaker. PILOTS CAUTIONED. Enquiries into tho grounding of the Van Spilbergen and Mellina resulted in the respective pilots in charge of the vessels being let off with a caution. ANOTHER BIG NUGGET. / MELBOURNE, June 20. Another 80oz nugget has been unYarUied in the Woohawp mine. FEDERAL POLITICS. The Federal House is engaged in a wrongling debate. To the Government proposal to pass two months' supply the Opposition are objecting to pass moiie. than one month's supply. There were several lively scenes between Sir John Forrest and Sir W. J. Lyne. »—■■■——■—