FEDERAL POLITICS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7243, 31 July 1907, Page 2

FEDERAL POLITICS.

RESIGNATION OF SIR JOHN FORREST.

Per Press Associaion. . MELBOURNE, July 30. AVhen the Federal House met, Sir William Lyne announced that Sir John Forrest had resigned from the Cabinet. Subsequently, Sir John Forrest explained that, acting consistently with the platform he outlined to his constituents at last election, lie could no longer follow tho policy of the Government. Ho had always intended to rely for support on the Labour Party. His resignation was not due to any Cabinet friction or Opposition intrigue. He intended to take his seat on the cross Opposition benches. In consequence of Sir John Forrest's retirement, portfolios have been rearranged, Sir William Lync taking tho Treasury end Mr Austin Chapman the Custom's. Mr Mauglier has been appointed Postmaster-General. (Received July 31, 0.5.3 a.m.) MELBOURNE, July 31. . lv the Federal J-luuso. Sir John Forrest, referriiifj; to his resignation, said !it was reasonable that i!'u Labour Party should resent keeping him in office on a good fat salary after all ho had done to defeat them, li was the only honourable, course he could takn, even at tho loss of office and prestige. He was not going to bring discredit upon himself/ which he felt he wo-ilrl do if he hung on to his place aiid power. Mr Watson, in an interviwy, said that the only matter for surprise was that Sir Jo"hn Forrest had hung o;i to office so long,- considering his attitude towards the Labour Party. His resignation had cleared the situation.

THE BOUNTIES BILL

The House made good progress with the Bounties Bill. Bonuses on hemp, flax, mohair, cotton-seed and linseed were adopted; olives were struck out.