THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1901, Page 4

THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

THE SENATE AND MONEY BILLS,

FRICTION BETWEEN THE TWO

HOUSES.

MELBOURNE, June 15,

The Senate has adopted a resolution in favour of opening its proceedings with praj-er. The Supply Bill was sent back to the House with a request that a schedule be attached showing expenditure.

In the House, the Speaker read the Senate's message in reference to stippiy-

Mr Barton accepted all responsibility in the matter. He was under the impression that the Estimates were attached when the Bill was forwarded to the Senate, but this was inadvertently not done. He disclaimed any intention of belittling the Senate, which was given power under the Constitution to make suggestions in regard to money Bills, and it was only right it should be supplied with the material for making such suggestions. While desiring to prevent friction between the two Houses, he would always champion the rights of the House. To comply with the Senate's message would be infringing the rights of the House. In order, therefore, to conserve the negative rights of both Houses he moved that the Bill be set aside and a fresh Bill, with schedule attached, be sent to the Senate.

A lengthy debate ensued, members generally agreeing that Mr Barton had adopted the ptroper comstitutional course. The new Bill was passed through all its stages, and the House adjourned till Wednesday.