FEDERAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 253, 2 November 1901, Page 2

FEDERAL POLITICS.

THE NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE.

MAJORITY FOR GOVERNMENT.

By Telegraph—Tress Association—Copyright Melbourne, Nov. 1. Mr Reid’s motion was negatived bv oil to 2D. Received 1.5 a.in., Nov. 2. Negotiations between cite leaders to bring tho debate ,o a conclusion haring failed, and the Government refusing to adjourn, the Opposition commenced a stonewall. The debate was kept going throughout the day. Mr Thomas' amendment was withdrawn early in the day, leaving the issue to the main motion. Tho proceedings were of a dreary nature, occasionally enlivened by slight scenes. After dinner Mr Kingston ably summed up on behalf of tho Government, traversing the Opposition attacks. 1 tofending the tariff he said if Government got a chance of reducing the duties on tho necessaries of life and row material they would do so.

Mr Reid was in bis best form. He made a ’lively speech, occupying three hours. He said he would strive to reduce tho tariff to reasonable proportions, but a tariff framed like this was almost incapable of reasonable amendment. Tho duty of the Opposition would be to make a genuine revenue . tariff, and reduce duties on tho primary industries and necessaries of life. Direct taxation was better left to the States. JLe hoped the Government would find some means of placing the tariff before tho people. Nearly everybody would, be said, vote against it. 11c would bo prepared to accept a tariff as permanent for at least ten years on the strength of a plebiscite. There would be no rest till the people had decided. The Government might feel pretty snug now with a docile following, but it would bo clone later on. The division was taken amidst considerable excitement. Mr Reid's motion was negatived by SO to 25, with cheering and countcr-cheering, and tho House adjourned.