FEDERAL COALITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4474, 15 February 1917, Page 5

FEDERAL COALITION.

PROSPECTS NOT SO BRIGHT. United Press Association— Copyright. MELBOURNE, Feb. 13. The prospects of a coalition are not so bright as formerly. Ministerialists agreed to the terms, but* tne Liberal* after protracted meetings, have not come to a definite determination. While other terms in the agreement have been accepted, they lengthily debated the clause that the conscription referendum decision be respected and passed a resolution that “all must be forgotten about the referendum, and that; even though compulsory service beyond Australia is banished from the minds, everything possible must be done to bring home to the people the necessity for reinforcements. _A farther motion was carried that “in view of the seriousness of the situation it is‘urgently necessary for_the Minister of Defence to sit in the House of Representatives." J In the Senate. Mr Russell said it was not intended to enfranchise all soldiers at- the front over eighteen. SUPPLY BILL PASSED. United Press Association (Received Teb. 14. 11.50 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Fel\ 14. The Senate has passed the Suppry Bill. SITUATION STILL UNSETTLED. United Press Association—Copyright. (Received Feb. 15, 8.55 p.m ) MELBOURNE. Teb. 14. After further negotiations the poetical situation is still tinsettled.