SIR JOHN FORREST RESIGNS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11129, 31 July 1907, Page 2

SIR JOHN FORREST RESIGNS.

(Press Assn.— By Telegraph— Copyright).

(Received July 31, 9.30 a.m.) - MELBOURNE, July ,31. When the House i met Sir W. Lyne announced that Sir John 'Forrest, the Federal Premier, had resigned from the Cabinet. Subsequently Sir John Forrest explained that acting!; consistently with the platform outlined to his .constituent^ at last election he c^uld no longer follow the policy of the Government. He had always intended to resign if the Government continued to rely for support on the Labor party. His resignation -was not due to any Cabinet friction or Opposition intrigue. He intended to take liis 'seat on the cross Opposition benches. In consequence of Sir John Forrest's retirement, the portfolios have been re-arrang-ed, Sir W. Lyne taking the Treasury, Mr Austin Chapman Custpms,f and' Mr Mahgj her has been appointed PostmasterGeneral. • f

'In the House, Sir John Forrest,.referring to liis resignation, said it was reasonable tbe Labor party should resent keeping him in office on a " good 'fat Salary after all he had dotne to defeat them.- It was the only honorable^ course be could take, even at the loss of office and prestige. He was not going to bring discredit upon himself, as he felt he would do if he hung on tb place and power. Mr Watson, in an interview," said the only matter for surprise was at Sir John Forrest holding on so long, considering his attitude to the Labor party.' His resignation, cleared the situation. ■ -.'■-