FEDERAL POLITICS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13915, 28 May 1909, Page 6

FEDERAL POLITICS.

SCENE IN THE HOUSE. GOVERNMENT DEFEATED. press Association—By Telegraph-Copyright Received 9.45 p.m., May 27th. MELBOURNE, May 27. When Mr Deakin rose to continue lie debate on the Addrcss-in-rcply, he was met with a vehement cry from Sir W. J. Lyno of "Judas! Judcs!" There was at onco loud, uproar and cries of "Shame!" Sir W. J. Lyne shouted "Judas! Judas I" amidst renewed disorder. The Speaker called on Sir W. J. Lyne to withdraw the remark, and lie was understood to withdraw it. Mr Deakin said that it was no use to discuss the policy of the Government in detail, as most of it was obviously meant not for a business session but for the hustings. On the motion, of Mr Kelly for an adjournment of the debate, the Government were defeated by 39 votes to 30 votes. Sir W. J. Lyne voted with the Government. • Both Sir W. J. Lyne and Mr Hughes had prepared speeches, but Mr Kelly moving the adjournment of the debate prevented their delivery. The division was taken amid considerable excitement. Mr Fisher, the Prime Minister, said that the Government would accept the vote of the House as an expression of want of confidence. Mr Deakin had made a change of front which had astounded and disgusted many citizens of the Commonwealth. Mr Fisher moved the adjournment of the House. Sir W. J. Lyne referred to the diabolical actions of Mr Deakin. The Sneaker checked him. Sir W. J. Ljiic claimed to have been consistent. He would rather cut his hand off than act -as Mr Deakin had acted. After the generous treatment accorded by the Labour Party to the Deakin Government such action was incredible. Mr Deakin had betrayed the Protectionist Party. He had been grossly deceived by Mr Deakin, and would never shake hands with or speak to him again. Mr Hughes said that in March of last year proposals were made by Mr Deakin to the Labour Party for a coalition, not a loose alliance, but a definite coalition. Mr Deakin: Of which I was not to he a member. Mr Hughes: But you were prepared to allow the leader of the Labour Party to be Prime Minister. There were to be four portfolios for Labour and four for your party. That that coalition was not consummated was not the fault of the Deakin party. That party at the time was prepared to swallow not only onr principles but our methods. Mil DEAKIN AND LABOUR. MELBOURNE, May 27. After meeting his party. Mr Deakin wrote to Mr Fisher, stating that he had been authorised to intimate that his party could no longer continue to support the Ministry. He added for members, and especially for himself, that their relations with the Ministry had; always been, most friendly. It- is expected that Mr Deakin will move a vote of censure -to-day. The state of parties:—Labour 27, Independent 4, combined Opposition 43. A CHALLENGE. PERTH. May 27. Mr Quinlan challenged Senator de Largie to refute on the public platform at Perth, his statement that Federation had benefited West Australia, was absolutely without foundation. LONDON •• TIMES" COMMENT. Received 10.30 p.m.. May 27th. LONDON, May 27. The "Times" trusts that Mr Deakin's coalition narty will .eventually cause an approximation of views. The development of Australia will be seriously impeded by the inability inevitable in government by group, ami Mr Deakin should unite the more moderate of the Labour Party with the more liberal anions the many sections opposed to labour, in a combination strong enough to defeat the extremists of either side. 11 will be regrettable if the Australasian delegates to the July Defence Conference are not representatives of a united Parliament.