FEDERAL POLITICS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 February 1917, Page 2

FEDERAL POLITICS

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVES MELBOURNE, February 21. Mr. Hughes, has announced definitely that Sir John Forrest will accom- • pany him to the Imperial Conference. It is anticipated that Mr. Tudor will move- a censure motion, when the Hou;je meets, DISCONTENT AMONG LIBERALS. EARLY EJECTION PROBABLE. MELBOURNE", February 21. JI: is freely stated that the Liberals are not a happy family over the Ministerial fusion: A strong section is opposed to coalition and is annoyed . at r being beaten over the question. Another disturbing factor is the selec. tion of Sir William Irvine to accompany Mr. Hughes, to "the Imperial Conference, whereas Mr. Hughe s , officially announced, "We must have a similar status to other representatives." Sir William Irvine won disfavor, and sacrificed his chance of inclusion in the Ministry by.openly stating that he was still in favor of conscription and by advocating a. second referendum. Some of the Liberals whose constituents gave a strong anti-con-scription vote urge his recognition by the party i s likely to cost them, a lot of votes at the forthcoming elections. J.here is much speculation as to the duration of Parliament, as the Ministry has decided that there.must be no pandering to the Opposition. It is considered probable that in the event of the Senate obstructing legislation there will be an early appeal to the electors 1 . LIBERALS SUPPORT - NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.] Received this day at 9.45 u.m. MELBOURNE, This Day. The Liberals met and approved of the National Government's policy.