AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 28, 27 July 1911, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT. THE CENSURE DEBATE. By Cable—'Frew Ajwoeiation—Copyright Sydney, July 2«. In the censure debate Mr. Wade hinted that perhaps members would soon be brought beore the electors, and then would be judged for the way they voted. The motion attacked the. Government's discontinuing the resumption of large estate and emphasised the existence of land hunger. Mr. Wade stated that recently there were 1600 applicants for four blocks thrown open for selection.

Mr. Holman's reply declared that the Government would have been deserving of censure if it had wasted money in resumptions when it could be better spent on railways and opening Crown lands suitable for settlement. The Crown had 26,000,000 acres which were ready for settlement as soon as the special board's reports classifying and valuing them were available, which would he the case in a few months. Mr. Storey moved an addition to the motion that the proposal to include rural workers within the provisions of the Industrial Bill is against the interest of land settlement. The censure motion was defeated by 42 to 37. Further Labor resignations are,Ttimored. Two Independents notified their intention of voting with the Government on the censure motion, but said they would vote against the repeal of the Conversion Act when it was before the House.

The Government received a surprise when Messrs. Home and Dunn, country Labor members, announced their resignation, as they were unable conscientiously to respond to the demands of the party on the land question. Both stated that they did not intend to offer themselves for re-election, and also that they had paired with the Liberals on the censure motion. Both seats rendered vacant by the resignations were, until last election, held by Liberals. CRITICAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT^ STRENUOUS TIME TO-DAY. Received 2fl, 11.15 p.m. Sydney, July 26. In the Legislative Council Mr. Flowers announced that circumstances had arisen which prevented him proceeding with the business. He asked a quorum to attend to-morrow to pass Supply. Received 27, 1 a.m. Sydney, July 26. The resignation of Messrs. Dunne and Home came as a surprise to the Party. The Government's existence depends on the Independents, and that they are not y.et out of the wood was evidenced tonight, the Assembly simmering with excitement. Mr. Holman moved three months supply.

Mr. AA r ade moved an amendment limiting it to two months. The amendment was defeated, the casting vote of the Speaker making the voting 37-all. The debate is proceeding, and strenuous opposition is threatened to-siorrow on Mr. Holman's adjournment motion. EXCITING PROCEEDINGS. Received 26, 7.20 p.m. Sydney, July 26. The Labor stages of the censure debate were exciting. Towards its close two members of the Independent Party announced their intention of voting for the Government. This and the fact that Messrs. Dunne and Home, prior to resigning, arranged to pair with two Oppositionists, who respected their pairs, saved the situation.

Prior to taking the censure division a further amendment by Mr. Storey was moved that the proposal include rural workers under the Industrial Arbitration Bill was against the interests of land settlement, was negatived by 44 to 35 votes. SUSPENDING BUSINESS. TILL BY-ELECTTONS ARE DECIDED. Received 26. 9.5 p.m. Sydney, July 26. AA'hen the Assembly met this afternoon,'after Cabinet had discussed the situation, Mr. Holman, Acting-Premier, made a statement that while Ministers recognised that ordinarily a by-election did not provide sufficient ground for suspending the business of Parliament, it would be recognised as obviously impossible for business to proceed until the two present vacancies were filled. The Government therefore proposed to ask the House to grant supply to-night, deal with no other business, but to adjourn for a sufficient period to allow of the byelections to be decided. He proposed to move to-morrow for the adjournment of the House till August 22. Ah. AYnde. Leader of the Opposition, in a brief speech, declared that under the conditions which had arisen no course was open to the Government but to resign. Ah, Storey opposed the adjournment. Air. Holman gave notice of his adjournment motion for to-morrow. The House then proceeded with business.