CLASS V. DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATORS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 7 November 1907, Page 3

CLASS V. DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATORS.

. CONFLICT IX QUEENSLAND f, PARLIAMENT. PREMIER CREATES A SENSATION PROPOSES OPEN ALLIANCE WITI LABORITES. Received Nov. 7, 1.12 a.m. Brisbane, November 6. A sensation was created in politic*. circles at Mr. Kidson, the l*remier ■ending a letter to the Labor Party with reference to the Legislative Council rejecting certain measures and amending other* of an allegedly progressive character. He •ays the action of the Council in rejecting the Elections Bill, and its undisguised hostility to all progressive legislation, compels the Government to consider wnat action in necessary to deal with the obstruction. The time will come, he says, when we will be forced to ask ourselves whether we art willing to permit the political prejudices of t few nominees to continue to override the wishes of the elected represenUtives of the people. This has become a most important question in Queensland politics, and on its satisfactory solution rests the hope of democratic progress in Queensland. There is oaly one practical way of dealing with the Council, and before attempting it the Government must he in a position to nnderstand the strength nf the Assembly. Unfortunately the Government Is not in such a position at present. WMtt the support received from the Labor Party this session has Veen sufficient for the ordinary work of the Assembly, it is wholly inadequate to the work we are now called upon to face. An indispensable preliminary to effective action is to demonstrate that

the Government has behind its policy a large and determined majority. He then suggests an agreement th.it both parties accept the Government prorune anil pledge themwlre* |o stand the (Jovernment in their strugjrle vita the Council, and that in tbr event of an appeal to the roontry becoming necessary to obtain the desired end, a joist committee lie appointed to manage tke eJaetkm. neither party to contest any seat* now held by any member of antler party; where the joint committea. pnia np a candidate, both parties to

Wtppmt aim. 11m letter i« being discussed at caucus ■eating* of the Gorernment and Labor Partita.