AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2823, 22 April 1908, Page 19

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

MELBOURNE,, April 15. . Mr Deakin lias officially confirmed hid intention to remain m office at least till the tariff is through. He will move an amendment that the Royal Commission to inquire into the Post Office management* b* postponed till the tariff -is out of tho way. It is thought that the amendment; will be accepted. * Mr Fi_her, after the Labour caucus, ■ said lie hoped thart harmonious relation-* would be restored when the Houee meets to-day. It is understood that a majority of tha Labour members who voted against th«. Government have agreed to fall m line. : April 16. Mr Deakin made a statement m the House. He asked tbat other business 6 tand asid e to m ake way for the tariff. He thought that the first teek incumbent on the House to deal with\was the tacrff.The Government . could not subordinate that question at present to any other,, howetfer important it might be. He pro-*' pcced to proceed .villi the tariff next Wednesday', and he moved that all other question's, on the business paper, including Mr Webster's motion and the " Capita. •Sites Bill, be postponed till the tariff had become law. A warm debate followed, during which Mr Reid and Mr Joseph Cook attacked _ili" Deakin over the Webster motion incident. ' Mr Deakin replied that he was willing to acoept a challenge from ;the Opposition at any time. * * . . The motion to place the 'jtarift* at th« head of the bu©ine_s^ paper Mas carried, and the House adjourned till Wednesday* BRISBANE, April 19. The House of Representyflivcis- sat til] I.3o. this morning stonewalling the Esti< mates. The feud with the Labour section ii co bitter and the -breach between thai party and Mr Kidston so wide that z coalition of the Kidston and Philp partiei is practically inevitable.