MR. DEAKIN RESIGNS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13723, 13 April 1908, Page 5

MR. DEAKIN RESIGNS.

POLITICAL CRISIS

NOISY LABOUR CAUCUS.

POSITION OF THE OPPOSITION By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.

Melbourne, April 11. . Mr. Alfred Dkaki.v resigns the position of Prime Minister of the Commonwealth on Wednesday. Yesterday'* caucus of the Labour party was a noisy gathering. Those who had brought about the crisis were taken to task, but they stuck to their guns.

Mr. Joseph Cook, Deputy- of the Opposition, says that, this its one of thoae crises in which the' Opposition ha« abeolulutely nothing to do but look on. :; ■

The news that Mr. Deakin has resigned the Federal Premiership will not coine altogether cui a surprise to those who jbave followed Australian politics cloaely for the iaat couple of years. Ever since the Prima Minister's return from the. Imperial Conference he ha? suffered from ill-heaHU, resulting, it is thought, partly from the severe effect of the severe strain and excessive work of the Conference, which must have had a bad effect on a constitution w.iich was never robust. The harassing position of leader of a Parliament comprised of three parties u.ust have also had a prejudicial effect on Mr. Beakin's health, and although he has not ostensibly retired on this account, it is probable that this is one of the reasons that has led to his withdrawal from strenuous politics. Mr. D«wkin is undoubtedly the foremost figure in Australian politics, by reason of hi* ability, rectitude of character, and charm of manner. He is the finest orator in AMtittJJ*, and has had a distinguished cawr a* a statesman, lawyer, and journalist. Ho has been Prime Minister of the Commonwealth this time since 1905. and previously held that position from ISO 3-4, He was also first Attorney-Gcncr \* of the Commonwealth.