COMMONWEALTH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2512, 27 May 1909, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH POLITICS.

CABLE NEWS.

THE FUSION PROPOSALS.

SIR WM. LYNE’S OPINION.

United Press Association —Copyright.

MELBOURNE, May 26

The Labor party held a caucus yesterday, and discussed a programme to submit to Parliament, opening to-day. Sir William Lyne w T as very sore over the fusion proposals. Ho said that un-der-no condition whatever could he join forces with the men whom Mr Deakin is said to have moulded into union.

OPENING OF FEDERAL PARLIAa

WENT.

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH.

United Press Association —Copyright. (Received May 26, 8.10 p.m.)

MELBOURNE, May 26

The Federal Parliament opened today. The Governor-General, the Earl of Dudley, in his speech, stated that the Customs aud excise duties during the year had been less than had been anticipated when the Budget was delivered, while the revenue estimated from the post and telegraph service was not likely to he fully realised. Notwithstanding the. decreases, by careful economy of administration a larger sum than the amount estimated had been placed in the trust fund to pay old age pensions. Parliament would be asked to consider the financial relations of the Commonwealth and States, with a view to an equitable adjustment. Proposals would he submitted for .a silver and paper currency. The defence proposals were referred to in terms of the. policy already declared by Mr. Fisher. THE OPPOSITION FUSION COMPLETED. MR. DEAKIN ELECTED LEADER. (Received May 26, 11.35 p.m.) MELBOURNE, slay 26. The Oppposition parties have accepted the fusion. Mr. A. Deakin was unanimously elected leader. The form of the attack on the Government has not yet been decided. A Land Tax Assessment Bill has been introduced. It provides that an absentee owner shall be taxed on the full unimproved value, while owners not absent are granted an exemption of £SOOO, The House has adjourned.