SCENE IN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9075, 21 June 1915, Page 6

SCENE IN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

SUSPENSION AND RESIGNATIONS

By Telecraph—Press Association—Copyrizlil (Received June 20, 3.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE, June 20. In the House of Representatives, Mr Cook's amendment was negatived by thirty votes to twenty. It "as gagged through, the introductory stages. Mr Cook was again gagged on a motion for adjournment, amidst the greatest excitement. During the debate, Mr Foster, member for Wakefield, South Australia, was suspended, and he was later ejected from the Strangers’ Gallery. ~Mr Cook characterised the sitting as the most disgraceful proceedings in the history of Parliament. Mr McGrath, of Ballarat, in conjunction with Mr Anstey, forwarded his resignation.

lit 'was reported cm Saturday that an uproar was created in the House on the introduction of the Referendum Bill. Mr Cook, leader of the Opposition, proposed to add ns an amendment; “As soon as provision has been made by a unity Government and Parliament for the successful prosecution of the nr # r.” Mr Cook deprecated party strife during this crisis in the Empire’s history. It was unfair to attempt to amend the Constitution with sixty thousand cit'zens fighting and unable to vote. Mr Fisher announced that he accepted the amendment as a motion expressing want of confidence in the Government. Mr Anstey, the Labour member for Bourko, has resigned, owing to friction with the Ministry. - ) EMPLOYERS URGE TRUCE Bi* Telegraph—Preea Association—n^nvr^ln MELBOURNE, June 19. A meeting of the Central Council of the Australian Employers’ Association decided to appeal to the Government to establish a National Ministry; failing this, to require an assurance of the postponement of political strife till the end of the war.

In tho event of both failing, the council urges tho establishment of a body representative of all classes to expedite the manufacture of munitions.