FEDERAL POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 256, 24 July 1924, Page 7

FEDERAL POLITICS

DIFFICULTY REGARDING ANTI-LABOUR PACT

COUNTRY PARTY’S DEMANDS

By Teleguaph—Press Association Copyright.

Melbourne, July 23.

Negotiations between the Federal Nationalist and Country Parties foi maintaining tho pact against Labour has reached a critical point. Mr. Bruce (Nationalist) and Dr. Earle Pago (Country Party) had made the pact, which, however, members of the Country Party declined to accept, contending that it should be submitted for consideration by the party before acceptance, and are now making certain demands upon the Nationalists which Mr. Bruce declines to concede, demanding that the pact between the leaders should be honoured. Conferences have so far failed to find a solution of the difficulty. Failure to reach an agreement may mean a break betweeu the parties and tho withdrawal of tho Country Party members, including Dr. Earle Page., from the Cabinet, and its reconstruction.—Press Assn.

AGREEMENT REACHED (Rec. July 23, 9.45 p.m.) Melbourne, July 23. A conference of managers of the Federal and Nationalist Country Parties has reached agreement. The details have not been disclosed, but it is indicated that the result will bo reported to Air. Bruce and Dr. Page, and they will discuss the basis of settlement. —Press Assn. LABOUR WINS A SENATE SEAT

(Rec. July 23, 5.5 p.m.) Melbourne, July 23. Mr. J. F. Hannan has been elected to the vacancy on tho Federal Senate. He beat a Nationalist candidate by 46 votes to 43. Air. Hannan is an exmem bcr of Parliament and Federal president of the Labour Party.—Press Assn.