THE COMMONWEALTH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4868, 26 June 1901, Page 3

THE COMMONWEALTH.

Melaourne, June 21. The Federal Government intend to take over the administration of the Northern Territory as soon as the financial and other necessary arrangements have been made. The Federal Governmpnt expended £45,000 on the naval and military displays in Melbourne, Sydney andßrisbane over the royal v!*ifc. The Premier- of Tasmanid bas protested against th« Postal Bill interfering with conducting Tattersall'a sweep through the post office as an infringement Jof the State rights- of Tasmania. Mr Barton replied thai the Federation had the power to legislate in the direction proposed. The Premier, in reply to Mr Barton, contends Lhnt the post office was handed over t" the Federal authorities for general conveniencp, not for curtailing; the control of local affairs, even though each curtailment is uniform throughout all the States; further, that the Federal Parliament cannot;, directly or indirectly, deal with any matters outside those submitted to it. Major-general Pole-Carew, addressing his tenantry, referred to the fact that his name was being mentioned in connection with the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth Forces. He said that the Press knew more about the matter than he did, bu(j if duty called him to Australia he would obey the call. At the nominations for the State elections five Ministerialists and four Oppositionists were returned unopposed, including Mr John' Norton, M4oourb,M 4 0ourb, and Lee.