Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/418

 410] FOREIGN HISTORY. [1899.

be more "vigorous administration." Most of the measures announced by his predecessors would be taken up and carried through. There would be temporary relief for the poor pend- ing the passing of the Old Age Pensions Bill, the first reading of which had been carried in the Assembly on August 15, having as its principal feature an allowance of Is. weekly for all poor over the age of sixty-five.

Two once prominent public men died during the year. Sir Archibald Michie, a leading barrister, who had held office in several Administrations, and had been Agent-General in London, died on June 22 at the age of eighty-six. Mr. James Service, an old-time Glasgow chartist, who in late years had been regarded as the leader of the Conservative or Constitutional party in Victoria, more than once a Prime Minister, died at an advanced age on April 12.

The fact, curiously illustrative of the condition of the colony, that there were upwards of 15,000 applicants for 357 vacancies in the railway department, caused much comment in the press.

The Geelong Wool Mills, which had been closed for some years, renewed work this year. Their creation and existence were due entirely to protection.

The population of the colony at the end of June was returned at 1,176,854.

Queensland. — The cause of confederation made considerable advance in the colony, though as in its southern neighbour its advancing involved the minister responsible for that advance in some temporary trouble.

The Assembly was dissolved on February 15. In his open- ing address to his constituency, Mr. Dickson, the Prime Minister, strongly recommended the Federal Bill to the electors.

The result of the general election was the return of 45 Ministerialists, 8 members of the old Opposition and 21 of the Labour party. The Labour party in the new Assembly prac- tically assumed the functions of an Opposition. Upon the question of federation there was much confusion of opinion. The Labour party was divided, the majority inclining to view with suspicion the prospect of union with the other colonies. The Ministerialists were for the most part half-hearted.

The new Parliament was opened on May 16.

The Legislative Council passed the Federal Enabling Bill, with restrictive amendments, which were practically agreed to by the Assembly.

A large meeting was held at Brisbane on April 25 to protest against the Federal Bill, urging the Government to insist upon better terms for Queensland. Federation, it was contended, would raise taxation by 28s. a head. Queensland, the most prosperous and progressive of the colonies, would derive the least benefit by confederation.

When the bill was submitted to the popular vote there were 38,458 in its favour and 30,996 against. The majority