AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT

Evening Star, Issue 14226, 27 November 1909, Page 11

AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT

MR SIDEY'S .SUCCESSES. CONTROL OF SINKING FUNDS. [F’.iom Our Parliamentary Re tor ter.] WELLINGTON, November 27.

Tile result of the voting on the disputed point as to the control of local bodies’ sinking funds wan a distinct slap in the face to the Government, especially as it came after the Minister in charge hud the Bill recommitted, with the object of reversing a previous defeat on the point on Thursday. The second vote was rather a surprise, coming after tile Governments success (by 51 to 26) in having the Bill recommitted, though it may be stated that several voted for the recommittal merely because Thursday night s division had been close enough to justify another trial of strength, aim not because they wished to see Mr fcsitley’s amendment upset. The reverse was received by the Prime Minister with evident cnagrin, and the statement was freely circulated in the lobbies afterwards that there was a probability of the Bill being (bopped, presumably ns a. warning (o members of the Ministerial party who voted againet their chief. A comparison of'the two division-lists shows that those who voted with the Government on Thursday but not on Friday comprised Messrs Brown. Forbes. Xgata, Russell, Seddon, Te Rangihnm, and J. 0. Thomson, but it is unfortunate that the pair lists* are not available owing to a misunderstanding on tins matter having arisen. It is understood that Mr Russell paired with Mr Clark, that being merely a matter of arrangement between two men of the samp party. The following gave Mr Sidey their support on Thursday but not on Friday Messrs Field, Greanslado, Hall, -Haiinn, Lang, Massey, and Sir William Steward. Mr Massey was away at Auckland.) Several members refranicd from voting.