LABOUR IN POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3489, 25 January 1921, Page 41

LABOUR IN POLITICS.

o. SYDNEY, January 18. The Parliamentary Labour Caucus meets to-day to discuss the crisis which has arisen through the Australian Labour Party’s attempt to force the hands of the Government. Practically the position is whether the Government or the Australian Labour Party executive is master of the political situation. Interesting developments are anticipated. Before the Caucus assembled the Cabinet met and decided to stand rigidly by its former unanimous decision that Parliament would not meet before the Premier returned from England in July. Sir George Fuller refused to grant Air Storey a pair during his absence. January 20. The Hon. J. D. Mutch (Minister of Education) states that the Ministry will not carry on with dishonour. It would rather resign and let somebody else do so. It has been ascertained that the Governor opposed appointments to the Legislative Council at present, though five or six will be appointed when Parliament meets. January 21. The Parliamentary Labour Party, without voting, decided to support the attitude of the Premier, and to ask the executive to withdraw its demands. Mr Storey said it was a unanimous decision, which he regarded as a personal triumph. The Premier and the executive discussed the position last night, six Ministers being present. The matter was adjourned till to-night.