FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12555, 22 April 1904, Page 5

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

THE ARBITRATION BILL,

PLAIN SPEAKING BY SIR JOHN

FORREST.

A NEW PHASE.

By Telegraph.—Press Association Copyright. - Melbourne, April 21,

During the discussion of the Arbitration Bill in the Federal Parliament, Sir John Forrest, in a characteristic speech, almost brutal in its frankness, said he revolted against the pressure to which the Government had been subjected in the past at the hands of the Labour party. The Navigation and Arbitration Bills had been put in the forefront of the Ministerial programme to assist the Labour party. The latter had hurried Ministers on to their doom, and were now going to be their executioners.

A new situation lias developed, and th« present discussion is on an amendment by Mr. Fisher, making the measure apply to Civil servants generally. At the outset of the debate if was not thought that there was any chance of this being carried, but at the present stag* of the discussion the chances of carrying it have improved. It is believed that if this happens Mr. Reid may be asked to form a Ministry. Should the amendment bo lost, then Mr. Watson's amendment to include railway servants is almost certain to be successful. In that event Mr. Watson may be asked to form a Ministry.

(Received April 23, 1.6 a.m.)

Melbourne, April 21. Mr. Fisher's amendment was carried "by 33 votes to 29.