A TWO-MINUTE CRISIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14348, 19 April 1910, Page 6

A TWO-MINUTE CRISIS.

GOVERNMENT IN A TIGHT CORNER. Tub Government (says the London Daily Mail) saw itself just before 11 o'clock on. Monday night, March 7, in danger of defeat. Mr. Ramsay ilacDonald, secre-t tary of the Labour party, brought forward a motion on the Army Estimates calling attention to the wages and condition of set-vice of Government workers at Piralico and Woolwich, and urging the proper carrying out of tho "fair wages clause." Mr. Mallet, the new Financial Secretary to the War Office, made his first official speech in defence of the War Office, which he admitted did not pay trade union rates. He spoko at considerable length and with much volubility. Colonel Lockwood and Mr. Goulding, Unionists, urged tho Labour representatives to go to a division against the Government, promising to support them in tho Lobby. Just before 11 o'clock there came an anxious time for the Government. Lor a few minutes it looked like a crisis. Enthusiastic Unionists, led by Colonel Lockwood, were prepared to divide with the Labour members against the Government. Air. Haldane, in charge, and the Master of Elibank, tho Chief Liberal Whip, were painfully aware that a good many of the Liberal benches were not fully occupied. When the division seemed imminent, Mr. Wyndham, from the front Opposition bench, said that he could not vote against i..0 Government, as ho had not heard all the discussion. "Divide, divide," cried the Unionists behind him. Mr. Haldane rose, and with much suavity said that the question was so important that he should suggest it had better go over, as he would like to say a few words on it. This obvious attempt to gain time till to-morrow was hailed with shouts of "Divide, divide" from tho Unionists, led by Colonel Lockwood. The Chief Govern-^ ment Whip was anxiously scanning a list which he held in his hand. It was two minutes to 11. "Of course I am in the hands of the House," said Mr. Haldane. fie sat down. Mr. Courtenay Warner, a Liberal, sprang to the rescue. Amid murmurs he began to speak with the obvious intention of talking the matter out. Mr. Hope rose. "I move the question be now put." The Speaker ignored him. A minute later Mr. Warner was cut short by the stroke of 11, and the situation was saved.