AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1683, 1 June 1904, Page 29

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

MELBOURNE, May 24. Mr G. Reid lias moved a motion of want-o'f-confidence in the Federal Ministry, the result of which it is impossible to forecast. Much depends on a meeting of Protectionists to consider a letter received from Mr Reid. A caucus of Deakinites discussed Mr Reid’s letter, asking if the Prime Ministership alone blocked a coalition. The caucus adjourned till to-morrow. In the House, the debate on the Government’s policy is proceeding. Friction exists between the Minuter for Defence (Mr A. Dawson) and General Sir E. T. H. Hutton (Commander of the Forces), owing to General Hutton using cypher cablegrams and declining to reveal the Imperial Government’s secret service code. As a result of the friction with Mr Mahon, Postmaster-General, Mr F. L. Outtrim, Permanent Head of the Department in Victoria (who combated the right of postal employees to submit their grievances through the executive officers of their associations) has i-e----signed. Mr Mahon, in closing the correspondence on the incident, indicated that a recurrence of the action by Mr Outtrim to which objection had been taken would be severely dealt with. There would be no objection to his TetireMELBOURNE, May 25. At the Deakinite caucus Mr Deakin reiterated his decision not to join any Administration. The debate on a motion to declare the coalition off was adjourned till today. If tlie motion is adopted Mr Reid may not challenge the Government at present. Later. The coalition continues to hang fire. Mr Deakin, after the caucus of the party, stated that it discussed a variety of subjects. A motion proposing to declare the coalition off was not put. but another was carried,the purport of which is withheld. In the meantime it was decided to obtain further information. .Tlie debate on the Government policy is proceeding in the House. MELBOURNE, May 26. Messrs Reid and Deakin had a long conference after the caucus. It is reported that the Deakinites are about equally divided on the question of coalition. The party is sure to split, whatever the decision. It is unofficially stated that the Labour caucus resolved to favour negotiating for coalition with the DeakiniteSi • In the Federal House, Mr Crouch, moved that the Australian flag, as officially selected; should be flown from all forts, vessels and public buildings iti fiba Commonwealth on all occasions.

He said that, although the Australian flag had been authorised, it was never Used. The Union Jack was always flown. Mr Watson, Premier, declared there was every reason why the Australian flag should be used, but he would prefer a flag more adequately symbolising the life and aspirations of Australia than the present one. He certainly thought that on all buildings under the Commonwealth the Australian flag should occupy premier position, except on special occasions when the Royal Standard was required. He would see that instructions were given to that effect. The debate was adjourned. Tlie Federal Premier (Mr Watson), in reply to a question in the House, said he thought silence should be observed regarding Colonel Hutton’s refusal to disclose the purport of a secret code message sent to the War Office in reference to Australian defences until tho General had furnished a reply to the Government. BRISBANE, May 26. General Hutton, who was officially visiting Queensland yesterday, received a communication from the Federal Minister for Defence. Ha immediately cancelled his engagements, and returned to> Melbourne. It is rumoured that the Minister has given General Hutton the option of disclosing the cypher or resigning the post of Commandant of the Commonwealth forces. MELBOURNE, May 27. At the caucus of trie Labour party, Mr Watsoq was authorised to make proposals for a coalition Mr Deakin. It is stated that tne basis of the coalition will be immunity of Labour from Opposition till next election, and a certain number of portfolios, not exceeding three. It is understood that Messrs Deakin and Reid have come to an understanding on new matter affecting their coalition. Members of the Deakin party assert that a Reid-Deakin coalition is probable, and that the bulk of the Deakinites will join. The Federal House lias concluded its debate on the Government policy. Sir John Forrest, contributing to the general denunciation of the Government, challenged some of its administrative Acts. Ho characterised Ministers as rash and heedless, indifferent to the necessities of Australia, and careless of their obligations to the Empire. The motion upon which Mr Watson announced his policy was carried on the voices, and the House adjourned till Tuesday. ' In the Senate a debate on the Capital Sites Bill was adjourned, and the House rose till Wednesday. Reports, on suggested capital sites were tabled. MELBOURNE. May 23. Mr Watson. Federal Premier, had an interview with Mr Deakin, and submitted in writing the Labour party’s proposals for coalition. They will be considered at a Deakinite caucus on Wednesday. SYDNEY, May 27. General Hutton, on being interviewed in Sydney, said his absence in Queensland prevented him contradicting the erroneous impression about his cypher despatch to the War Office, which was simply a receipt for the usual cypher in use between all responsible generals in time of war. He added:—No general responsible to one Government could, without an unheard of lapse of duty, communicate ing such action. tS' another matters affecting official responsibilities except through a Minister. He was the very last to contemplate tak-