FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 93, 14 January 1926, Page 7

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

OPENED WITH FULL CEREMONIAL LOCARNO PACT WELCOMED BITTER DEBATE OVER SPEAKERSHIP At the opening of the Federal Parliament the GovernorGeneral in his speech said Ministers welcomed the Locarno Pact, and were considering how it affected the Empire. The nomination of Sir Littleton Groom for the Speakership was the signal for a bitter attack by the Labour Party. By TELEGUAmi.—PnEss Association. Copyright. (Rec. January 13, 9.25 p.m.) Melbourne, January 13. The Federal Parliament opened today with full ceremonial, not seen since the war. Lord Stonehaven, the GovernorGeneral, in his speech, said Ministers welcomed the Locarno I’act and were giving earnest consideration to the manner in which the treaty affected the Umpire as a whole. The prosperous conditions of the Commonwealth were being maintained, and the financial position was sound. Ministers realised the vital importance of providing the greatest measure of defence, and accordingly . were proceeding with a programme of naval, military, and air defence

Lord Stonehaven concluded that the elections show that the people of Australia were determined to maintain law an I.order, and protect the Commonwealth against the sinister activities of persons pursuing a policy of disturbance and unrest in order to promote revolutionary objects. To give effect to the mandate secured at the elections, the Government proposed to legislate forbidding the establishment of associations having for their obiectivc the forcible disturbance or overthrow of constitutional Government, and providing for the punishment of persons promoting the objects of such associations. Legislation to prevent the dislocation of trade and commerce by interference with the transport of goods or passengers would also be submitted.

The Speech then outlined the arbitration proposals mentioned by' Mr. Bruce in his policy speech, and concluded bv announcing that the seat of Government would be transferred to Canberra early in the new year. Sir Littleton Groom was elected Speaker. When he was nominated, the Labour Party launched a bitter attack on the Government speakers, stating that Sir Littleton Groom had been compelled to resign the portfolio of Attorney-General because of the bad advice he gave the Government over the Deportation Act, and the Speakership was offered him as a balm to his injured feelings. Mr. Bruce, in a vigorous reply, denied this, stating that Sir Littleton Groom had resigned the portfolio of AttorneyGeneral some time before the High Court delivered its judgment in the deportation cases •

The House adjourned until to-mor-row out of respect to the late Queen Alexandra and also as a tribute to the late Sir Austin Chapman.—Press Assn.

DEFEATED CANDIDATE’S PETITION

(Rec. January 13, 9.25 p.m.) Sydney, January 13,

Mr. McDonald, the defeated candidate for Barton at the Federal elections, has lodged a petition in the registry of the High Court, challenging the validity of the return of his opponent, Air. Ley.— Press Assn.