FEDERAL HOUSE IN SESSION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18352, 24 August 1929, Page 17

FEDERAL HOUSE IN SESSION.

Censure Motion Rejected. RIFT IN NATIONALIST PARTY. (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright.) CANBERRA, August 23. The censure motion against the Federal Government was defeated by four votes, after an all-night sitting. The Rt. Hon. W. M. Hughes, Mr E. A. Mann, and the Hon, P. G. Stewart paired. They would have voted against the Government. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. S. M. Bruce) has announced the practical exclusion from the Nationalist Party of Messrs Hughes and Mann, both of whom opposed the Government in the censure motion. In future they will not be permitted to attend meetings of the Nationalist Party. tin March last the Federal Government decided to take proceedings against John Brown, a well-known coal owner, of Newcastle, for causing an alleged lock-out in the Northern coalfields. Later, however, the case was Withdrawn. When the Commonwealth Parliament opened on August 14, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr E. G. Theodore, at once moved a motion of censure on acoount of the withdrawal of the threatened proceedings.] BUDGET PROPOSALS. PROGRESS AND TAXATION. (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph —Copyright.) SYDNEY, August 22. The statistics contained in the Federal Budget revealed that production in the Commonwealth had Increased in the past seven years by £62,000,000 to £432,000,000. The movement of the trade balance in favour of the Commonwealth disclosed an improvement of £21,000,000. Savings Bank deposits had risen from £162,000,000 In 1922 to £215,000,000. Drastic economies, Involving the reduction of naval personnel by over 600, the sale of four destroyers, and the paying off of other vessels, was announced by the Federal Treasurer. Defence expenditure will be over £500,000 less than last year. The new Customs duties which became operative to-day, are expected to yield an addition of £2,750,000. Foreign and intermediate duties on motor chassis are raised 10 per cent. Spirits and wines will pay an additional 2/- per gallon. The excise on local imported beers has been raised 3d, now 2/- per gallon. The tobacco duty has been raised by Bd. The Federal Treasurer stated that increased revenue will be obtained from luxuries without adding to the cost of living. Storms of Protest. The new Customs and Excise duties, in addition to extra taxation on incomes and amusements, caused an outburst of indignation throughout Australia. The Press generally severely condemns the Treasurer’s announcement. Theatre managers and the motor industry predict severe losses and trade disturbance, with a repercussion in rural districts, while to-day It reported that the Increased duties on liquors, picture film, motor chassis, and petrol caused a slump In shares on the Stock Exchange. The “Evening News” editorial concludes: “The Government cannot but regard the reaction of the electors with anything but misgiving." LONDON PRESS COMMENT. AUSTRALIA PAYS FOR LABOUR DISTURBANCES. (United PreHe Aasociation—By Electrie Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received August 23, 7.0 p.m.) LONDON, August 23. The “Financial News" describes Australian new taxes as the price the public has to pay for labour disturbances. The most favourable features are the continuance of British preference, and the provision for debt redemption.