FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 16 June 1923, Page 5

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

A NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION

flay Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Australian & N.Z. Cablo Association) MELBOURNE, June 15. In tho House of Representatives, Mr Charlton moved an amendment to the Address-in-Reply, stating that the Government no longer retained the confidence of tho House owing to its.attempt! to limit the rights of the Commonwealth regarding constitutional powers, with special reference to financial and industrial matters, also on account of the unsatisfactory immigration arrangements. In the House of Representative Mr Charlton attacked Mr Bruce for failing to summon Parliament earlier, and deciding to end the session prior to his departure for the Imperial Conference. He described this as autocraic and showing want of confidence in the leader of the Country Party. Dealing with the Imperial Conference he said he regretted Empire statesmen were still directing their minds to defensive measures instead of endeavouring to further the ideals of tho League of Nations. The Labour Party believed in getting the leading men of the nations together with a view to settling disputes and paving tho way to true peace. He most strongly condemned the Commonwealth agreement with the States for the surrender of income tax, declaring the scheme was an attempt to placo the burden of paying for the war on the shoulders of the workers and people with small incomes. The Government had no mandate to fix it for a period of five years. Tho La"bour Party would fight the proposals to death and if returned to power they would repeal it. Ho characterised the immigration policy as a scheme to load Australia with derelicts. The Labour Party would not support immigration until Australia made proper provision for her own people. Mr Bruce, in reply, denied that the Ministerial Party was a war party. They . believed in the League of Nations. Ho declared it was undesirable for the House to sit while the head of the Ministry was absent. He defended tho income tax arrangement as ridding the people of duplication taxation. He claimed that every precaution had. been taken for securing suitable immigrants. The debate was adjourned. The Government intends to force a division next week. Two other hostile amendments are threatened. Mi- Charlton’s motion is foredoomed to defeat.