FEDERAL POLITICS.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12805, 1 June 1914, Page 2

FEDERAL POLITICS.

A SECRETIVE I'KKMIER. By Electric Telegraph. —Press Association —Copyright MELBOURNE, May 20. Questioned in the Federal House, Mi* Cook declined to show his hand. Jn reply to Mr Fisher's enquiry as to whether, in view of the vote on the no-preference measure, he intends to make a statement, said lie had no statement to make at present. He fenced a number of questions regarding a possible dissolution. The changed tactics are shown in a disposition to rush the I'ostal "V oting Bill through. A meeting of the Ministerial party discuss d the situation. It is understood they decided to defer action until the Opposition had an opportunity, if they desired, of rejecting the Postal Biii, which was adjourned till Wednesday. In the meantime the Ministers are preparing a case for presentation to the Governor-General. Appearances indicate that the bulk of Labour members do not regard the Senate's rejection of the no-prefer-ence measure with favour, though the militant section profess to be delighted.

PETTY POLITICIANS. The Prime Minister (Mr Cook) is securing the appointment of a commission, which Mr Fisher (Labour leader) endorsed, to enquire into the.removal of tho Speaker's notes. He mentioned that among other incidents a coalscuttle had been placed in front of the Chairman's door, adding: "Evidently the idea was that when rushing out to a division he would fall and injure himself.''