FEDERAL POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21531, 31 December 1931, Page 8

FEDERAL POLITICS

THE NEW PARLIAMENT DATE OF ASSEMBLY. MELBOURNE, December 30, It is understood that the Federal Parliament will meet on February 26, when the main business will be the validation of the present tariff schedule for another three months. FURTHER ELECTION RESULTS. MR FENTON RETURNED. . MELBOURNE, December 30. (Received Dec, 31, at 1.30 a.m.) Mr J. E. Fenton, a former Minister of Customs, who, with Mr Lyons, resigned from the Scullin Ministry, has been returned for the Maribynong constituency after a neck and neck struggle with a rival Labour opponent, Mr' Beckett, by the narrow majority of 417. Another Labour stalwart, Mr Anstey, who has always hitherto won by a large majority, retained the Bourke seat by a very slender margin. FORMATION OF CABINET. A SURPRISING DEVELOPMENT. MELBOURNE, December 30. (Received Dec. 31, at 2 a.m.) What is regarded as a surprising development is that the United Country Party has declined office in the new Federal Cabinet which is now being formed by Mr Lyons. Dr Page, Leader of the Country Party, had a conference with Mr Lyons to-day, and indicated that his party would be satisfied if it was given the Customs portfolio, as it was extremely anxious for tariff revision. f Mr Lyons replied that he was unable to agree, whereupon Dr Page assured him that the Country Party would continue its friendly relations with the United Australia Party but would accept no Cabinet responsibility. Mr Lyons expressed regret at the turn of events and said he was most anxious that the Country Party should accept office, having regard to the arrangement on which the election was fought.