QUEENSLAND POLITICS.

Waikato Independent, Volume VI, Issue 434, 7 November 1907, Page 6

QUEENSLAND POLITICS.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

STRONG REMARKS BY THE PREMIER. [BY ELECTRIC TKLEGRAPII— COPYRIGHT.] (PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.) (Received Nov. 7, 1.12 a.ni.) BRISBANE, Nov. 6. A sensation has been created in political circles at the action of Mr Kidson (the Premier) in sending a letter to the Labor Party in reference to the Legislative Council rejecting certain measures and amending others of an alleged progressive character. Mr Kidson says : " The action of the Council in rejecting the Elections Bill, and its undisguised hostility to all progressive legislation, compels the Government to consider what action is necessary to deal with the obstruction. The time has come when we are forced to ask ourselves whether we are willing to permit the political prejudices of a few nominees to continue to over-ride the wishes of the elected representatives of the people. This has become the most important question in Queensland politics, and on its satisfactory solution rests the hope of democratic progress in Queensland. There is only one practical way of dealing with the Council, and before, attempting it the Government must be in a position to understand the strength of the Assembly. Unfortunately, the ' Government is is not in such a position at present. Whilst the support it has received from, the Labor Party this session has been sufficient for the ordinary work of the Assembly, it is wholly inadequate for the work we are now called upon to face. The indispensable preliminary to effective action is to demonstrate that the Government has behind its policy a large and determined majority." Mr Kidston then suggests an agreement, that both parties accept the Government programme and pledge themselves to stand by the Government in their struggle with the Council, and that, in the event of an appeal to the country becoming necessary to obtain the desired end, a joint committee be appointed to manage the election, neither party to contest any seats now held by any member of either party. Where the Joint Committee puts up a candidate, both parties to support him.

The letter is being discussed at caucus meetings of the Government and Labor Parties.