AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 23 December 1926, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

(Per Press &3sociation —Copyright.: SYDNEY, December 23. In the Assembly, after a short discussion, and amid strong Opposition protests, the Budget debate closed by Mr Lang moving the closure. This was carried by 45 votes to 41. The Estimates were then rushed through, the Opposition not attempting to discuss them in committee. Air Bavin describing the proceedings as mere futility. Notices of intention to introduce the Newspaper Tax, Main Roads Amendment. and Loan Bills were given. Introducing the Loan Bill covering £11,317,000 lor public works. Mr Lang said the measure provided two important departures, namely the right to raise loans in such countries or cities as the Governor might direct, and establishment of a sinking fund. Up to the present, borrowings had been restricted to London, and between now and June the Government would require to raise some £10,000,000 for loan conversion. It was clear that the London money market was not as sympathetic as it might be to any Dominion or Colonial borrowing. Until the market was somewhat easier, the Government wanted the right to go elsewhere. He desired to stick as closely as possible to the London market, but ho was not prepared to pay excessive charges. Ihe Premier hinted at the possibility of going to the American market. Air Bavin attacked the Premier for refusing to give information regarding loan expenditure, and declared that Air Lang must borrow in the American market because he could not get money elsewhere. The London market was practically closed to him, not because of any political antagonism:, but because, of the position of the State. Air Bavin approved the creation of a sinking fund. SYDNEY, Dec. 23. The Assembly passed the estimates totalling £42,000,000. Mr Lang, in explaining the Bill levying a tax of |d per copy on newspapers with a circulation over T’O.OOO (religious publications being exempted), which will be operative from January 1, described it as a simple little matter, which would not interfere witli the freedom of the press or circulation. Air Bavin described the Bill as disgraceful, saying it was aimed at the metropolitan newspapers, because they opposed the Government. The country papers v/ere allowed to go free, in order to secure their support. The tax would add another bu’-den to tfie cost of living. O*her members strongly opposed th« Bill. The debate was adjourned.