FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6492, 11 April 1908, Page 9

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

GOVERNMENT REVERSE ACCEPTED AS A VOTE 0® CENSURE. HOUSE ADJOURNED. By Telegraph—Press AsSoolatlen— Copyright MELBOURNE,. April 10. At a lato hour last night Mr Doahin suffered a reverse which caused him U adjourn the House of Ropreoentativa till Wednesday, in order that the Government might consider its position. The crisis arose out of a motion bj Mr Webster for the appointment of a Royal Commission to supersede the Cabinet committee now about to Commence'an inquiry into Post Office disorganisation! An adjournment of tb< debate was moved, and the Ministerialists wore defeated by 31 votes to 28. Mr Donkin thereupon intimated that ho Accepted the vote as one of censure on tlso Government. What the result will bo depends largely'upon tho Lahour party, but as the caucus is not solid bni. Mr Webster’S proposal, it ii probable that matters will be smoothed MELBOURNE FULL OF RUMOURS. MR. DEAKIN MAY RETIRE. (Received April 10, 11.47 p.m.) MELBOURNE,- April 10. The political situation in causing much speculation. Ministers. held a consultation tc-dsy, and a Labour caucus \ was hold. Mr Doakin and Sir William Lynoalsd conferred with Mr Fisher and Mr Watson.. Many rumours are current. One is thSt Mr Leak in intends to retire and that Sir William Lyne will attempt to form a coalition Administration with tho Labour party. It is stated that strong pressure is being brought to bear On Mr Donkin to induce him to take another view of the situation.