SHUT OUT OF SYDNEY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1149, 9 June 1911, Page 5

SHUT OUT OF SYDNEY.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR-GENERAL. INTERESTING DEBATE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Oon.vrieht Sydney, Juno 8. There was a heated debate in the Legislative Assembly on a motion for an adjournment moved by Mr. Wade (Leader of the Opposition) to discuss tho Government's proposal to dispossess tho Gov-ernor-General of Government House. Mr. Wade contended that there had been a definite arrangement that when the Federal Parliament was not sitting the Governor-General should resido in Sydney, and only, the strongest reasons could justify the State Government in breaking that agreement. If it did so, I the Commonwealth was under no obligation to make fresh provision. It meant, to all intents and purposes, the shutting oi tho Governor-General out of tho State in his official capacity, and playing into the hands of those who were determined to keep the seat of Government in Melbourne. Tho step was not only a breach of faith with the Commonwealth, but also with the Imperial authorities. Other members strongly supported Mr. Wade's contentions. Mr. Holman, Acting-Premier, in Teply, said the running of Government House cost tho State J!7500 annually, while the Governor-General resided there only a short time each year. He disclaimed any responsibility on the part of tho State Government to provide a residence for the Governor-General; that was the Commonwealth's duty. Tho time, lie said, had arrived when the State assets should be used for State purposes. The State Government had made up its mind in the matter, aiul had no intention of going back. The motion for adjournment was negatived. ■ Mr. Hughes (Federal Acting-Prime Minister), in an interview, declared that unless it was possible that a house suitable for the Governor-General could bo got in Sydney, ho could not go there.