FEDERAL CRISIS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5312, 25 June 1904, Page 5

FEDERAL CRISIS.

CABLE NEWS.

UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. —BT ELECTRIC TELEGRAPII. — COPVRIGIIT

THE ARBITRATION BILL. PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS. AMENDMENTS CARRIED AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT. MINISTERS CONSIDERING THE_ POSITION. (Received Juno 25, 0.2 G a.m.) MELBOURNE, Juno 24. After a debate in tho House of Representatives extending over three sittings a division was taken on Mr Johnson’s amendment to the Arbitration Bill to strike out tho power of the Court to giant preference to unionists. Tin amendment was negatived by 31 votes t.p 33 Mr McCay then moved an amendment, which was supported by tho Government, and carried on tho voices, providing for duo notification in tho “ Gazctto ” and elsewhere in cases whore it is intended to enforce preference to unionists. 31r McCay then moved an addition that no such preference he directed to be given unless application for such preference is approved by a majority of those affected by the award and who have interests in common with Vie applicants. The Premier, Mr Watson, strongly opposed this addition, and called on all Jiin supporters to vote against it. Mr MoCay’a addition, however, was carried by 27 votes to 22. ■Mr Watson immediately moved to report progress. He said tho Government regarded the amendment as a very serious cut right at tho heart of tho Bill. It was necessary for tho Government to consider how far tlio amendment affecttd the general purposes of tho measure, and how far Ministers might ask members to reconsider tho matter. Progress was then reported, and tho House adjourned till Tuesday. After the adjournment Mr Watson stated that nothing would bo dono^ regarding the political situation till Cabinet meats to consider the matter next Monday.