THE SPEAKERSHIP

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7980, 11 December 1911, Page 4

THE SPEAKERSHIP

NEW SOUTH WALES HOUSE LETTERS BETWEEN MESSES WILLIS AND McGOWEN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. 1 STDNEY, December 9. In the Legislative Assembly the Speaker, Mr Willis, tabled correspondence between himself and the Government with regard to his retention of tho Speakership. Sir Willis, in a letter to Mr MoGowen, the Premier, points out that his arrangement with the Government provided that no contentious legislation should be introduced, and urged that t(ie Income Tax Rill was the most contentions, The agreement also provided that the Estimates should ho passed on the basis of supply already granted, whereas they show a large increase. Mr MeGqwen, -” 1 -* l ’ B rnply, pays'Mr Willis agreed to reopen the arrangement with the Government in the. event of contingencies to the situation arising, and adds that the Government alono is the judge of the financial necessities of tho State, and is bound to proceed with the taxation proposals. Mr Willis, in a final letter, declares that his acceptance of tho Speakership vrap prompted by good motives, and that he will adhere to the basis of tins vinderstanding between himself and the Government, Mr "Willis accepted tho Speakership ol tho Legislative Assembly- only on the uudoratanding that no party matters would bo introduced. In making the announcement that Mr Willis would ho Speaker, lb Holman, then ftcting-Premier, arid the Government realised thpt it was impotent to' deal with contentious matter in Parliament, and would hold » short session devoted to preparing for the inevitable appeal to the country at tho earliest practicable date. When the Government rein, irodueed the Industrial Arbitration Jim which was dropped last session, Mr Wade, leader of the Opposition, declared that this action was not in keening: with the Government's compact with Mr Willis, the Snooker, to not mtrpduce contentious IP; (Halation. Ministers argued in reply that R was in keeping with the promise to tjx» oleptora to removo tn© Coercion Act,