Federal Politics.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXV, Issue 4697, 13 August 1904, Page 3

Fed eral Politics.

Defeat of the Government.

[United Press Association.] By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright] MELBOURNE, Yesterday. The debate on the recommittal of the Arbitration Bill in the Federal House was heated at times. It is unlikely to conclude this week. When the debate was resumed to-day, on the motion to recommit the clause dealing with preference to unionists, the Opposition adopted an attitude of silence, leaving the discussion to Ministerialists, who uttered bitter remarks at the way in which the Government was being treated. The division resulted in the defeat of the Government by 36 votes to 34. Mr Deakin voted with the Opposition, and Sir W. Lyne with the Ministry. Several members supported the Government on the ground that it would be only fair to allow the recommittal of the bill. . Dissolution Asked For. Received 9.46 a.m. MELBOURNE, This day The House adjourned until Wednesday next. Mr Watson will see Lord Northcote to-day aud will ask for a dissolution. Sir W. J. Lyne on the Position. (Received 10.1 a.m) MELBOURNE, This day Sir W. J. Lyne, interviewed, said the tactics of Messrs Reid and Deakin had been most disgraceful and unparalleled. Ever since the Labour Party came into office, despite all Mr Reid’s bombastic statements, he had not the courage or the manliness to take a straightforward course and table a motion of censure.

In fact in all his political life he had never been able to take a straightforward course, as Mr Reid was afraid of a fair fight. This tricky amendment was concocted to prevent a free and full debate. This was not the fair play promised by Mr Deakin on behalf of his followers. The whole business from the very start, when coalition was suggested in a caucus of the Free Trade and Protection Parties has been a kind of mysterious intrigue. Comments on the Situation. What the Papers Think. (Received 10.35 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This day. The Argus, commenting on the Watson Government defeat, says the majority does not represent the strength of the support a succeeding Cabinet will have. At least two members voted with the Government, who opposed its attitude on the preference question. The paper declares that the Government existence for four months was due to the desire for fair play, which prompted members to give it a chance, and to the extreme caution of the movements and utterances of Ministers.

The Age considers that the tallness of the majority indicates the hopelessness of forming a stable Administration in the present House.

It adds, if Mr Watson asks for a dissolution he should not be refused, as the importance of the question of preference to unionists justifies Mr Watson in urging on the Governor the necessity of getting a direct mandate from the people on the subject.