A JUBILANT PREMIER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 97, 30 May 1914, Page 9

A JUBILANT PREMIER.

FEDERAL POLITICAL CRISIS. FORCING 'DOUBLE DISSOLUTION. By Cable. — Press' Association. — Copyright. . MELBOURNE, May 29. Mr Cook is jubilant at the Senate's rejection of the No Preference to "Unionists Bill, -which places him in a position to ask for a double dissolution, but he intends to give the Opposition a chance to reject the Plural Voting Bill, the Government's other test,measure." ...■'. MR COOK FENCES QUESTIONS. THE MINISTBY 'S IN TENTIONS. « —- MELBOURNE, May 29. Questioned in the House Mr Cook declined to show his hand. In reply to Mr Fisher's enquiry as to whether, in view of the vote on the ''Non-Preference" Bill, he intended to make a statement, ■Mr Cook said he had no statement to make at present. He ■■* also fenced a number of queries regarding a possible dissolution. His changed tactics showed a disposition to rush the Postal 'Voting Bill throtigh. • \ . ' . . A meeting of the Ministerial party

discussed the situation and it is understood the meeting decided to defer any ,» action until the Opposition had an opportunity, if they desire it, of rejecting the Postal Bi,ll, which has been adjourned until Wednesday. • In the meantime, the Ministry is preparing a case for presentation to the Governor-General. - Appearances indicate that the bulk of labour members do not regard the senate's. rejection of the Non-Preference . Bill with favour, .though the militant section professes to be delighted.