WILL NOT SHOW HIS HAND.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14982, 1 June 1914, Page 7

WILL NOT SHOW HIS HAND.

—» ' THE FEDERAL POLITICAL SITUATION. PRIME MINISTER RETICENT. <Br C-bf« —Press Association.—Coprrlg--) MELBOURNE, May 30. Questioned in the House of Representatives, Mr Cook declined to show his hand. In reply to Mr Fisher's enquiry whether ' n v ' e ' v of t^ie voic on t " c " N " on " Preference to Unionists Bill, he intended td make a statement, Mr Cook said I $ _'c b* o n0 « tatemont t0 ma ' to at pres- . | eat. Mr Cook fenced a number of queries regarding a possible dissolution, and tl«n chauged his tactics, and showed a disposition to rush the Postal Voting Bill through. A meeting of tho Ministerial Party discussed the situation. It is understood they decided to defer action until the Opposition had an opportunity, if they desired it, of rejecting the Postal Bill, the discussion on which has bceu adjourned till Wednesday. In the meantime the Ministry is preparing a case for presentation to the Governor-General. Appearances indicate that th© bulk of the Labour members do not regard tho Senate's rejection of the NonPreferonce to Unionists Bill with favour, though the militant section profess to bo delighted. Mr Cook is securing the appointment of a Commission, which Mr Fisher ha? endorsed, to enquiro into the removal of the Speaker's notes. Mr Cook mentioned, among other incident-, that a coal-scuttle was placed in front of the chairman's door, adding • ' that, evidently, the idea was that when rushing out for a division the chairman might fall and injure himself.