AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 August 1901, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Press Association —Telegraph^Copyright.

LONDIN, August 23.

The British' directors of interested Australian steamers are disturbed at the probaula passage of the Australian Interstate Commission Bill, under which, shipping companies are regarded as common carriers. It is felt the measure constitutes a, grave interference in the business. Some gentlemen interested threaten to withdraw from the Australian service.

The shipping paper, "Fair Play," demands that .llhe Hon. J. Chamberlain shall interview and make every effort to prevent the proposed legislation. AUGUST, August 24.

A petition, signed by the representatives of 26 shipping companies, with a view to the intervention of \he> Home authorities in. regard to the Customs Bill, has been forwarded to London. It embodies a protest against clause 60, dealing with the nnshipment of goods. MELBOURNE, August 24. In the Senate, during the discussion on the Customs Bill on Sue clause imposing duties on stores, used in ships while in Australian waters, a statement was made that if the clause, was retained it was believed the Union Company's steamers, trading to New Zealand, would escape the operation. The clause was retained. PERTH, August 24. John Davies, general manager of railways intends to ask for a Board of Inquiry with respect to his suspension. The Cabinet also decided to extend the leave of absence of the chief traffic manager.