COMMONWEALTH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2604, 11 September 1909, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH POLITICS.

THE-OOMMONWEALTH AND THE

STATE DEBTS.

United Press Association —Copyright MELBOURNE, Sept. 10.

In the Senate Senator Pearce moved for a select Committee to inquire into the methods of the Australian Press Cable Association. He accused the service of sending inaccurate reports. The debate was adjourned for a week. In the House of Representatives Mr Fisher contended that the agreement with State Premiers would restrict the powers of the Commonwealth, hamper its development, and curtail its ambition. He agreed that it was advisable to have one Commonwealth stock, and that if it would be so profitable as to enable the saving of a quarter per cent., it was of advantage to transfer the debts from the States, instead of agreeing to papment of 25s per capita. He would be prepared to vote an even larger sum if the debts were taken over. He was satisfied that if the .debts were taken over there would be sufficient saving eventually to wipe out Australia’s , indebtedness. The agreement, should be referred back to another Premiers’ Conference.

(Received September 10* 10.40 p.m.) The debate oh the Financial Rela-*. tions Bill and : the Federal House have been adjourned till Tuesday next.

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