The Referendum in Australia is not yet complete when we
write, but it shows so far a distinct majority against Mr. Bruce's proposals for further Federal powers in industrial matters. There were two proposals, the first of which aimed at a stricter Commonwealth regulation of industry, and the second at giving the Commonwealth power to maintain essential services in any or every State in the event of a general strike. This is the fourth Referendum within recent years on the increase of Federal powers, and in each case the voting has been against the increase, though at the previous trials there was a progressive slackening of opposition. Mr. Bruce, like a good democrat, when asked for his opinion, said : " The country is against me. That is all there is to say." He is content with the decision of the majority, unlike many so-called democrats here.
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