FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

Otago Witness, Issue 2622, 15 June 1904, Page 19

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT

MELBOURNE, June 9. The Senate adopted the committee's report on capital sites. A determined attempt to reduce the area was made, but proved unsuccessful. The House passed the Supplementary Estimates, amounting to. £180 3 000. Mr Watson explained that most of the items were sanctioned by the previous Treasurer. The House, by 25 to 18, negatived a proposal to include domestic servants .in the Arbitration Bill. June 10. The Senate passed the Supply Bill, and then adjourned till the 29th. It is understood that the long adjournment. i.s the result of the unsettled political situation. Tn the House, on the motion of Mr Watson, the Arbitration Bill was amended to make the president the only permanent member of the court. The House then adjourned till Tuesday. Mr Reid's detention in Sydney precluded him taking action against the Government this wefe. Probably he may make a nrove next week. June 11. One reason given fox Mr Reid delay-

ing challenging the Government is thit a small knot of Victorian politicians had formed a cave to prevent him attaining the Premiership, and if he should, as <« expected, submit a censure motion in the coming week, an amendment will be moved to prevent the Government being dislodged, though they may suffer an adverse vote.