FEDERAL POLITICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15270, 21 June 1923, Page 7

FEDERAL POLITICS.

CENSURE MOTION DEFEATED. ANOTHER ONE TABLED. United Press Association. MELBOURNE, Juno 20. In the House of Representatives the censure motion was defeated by 37 votes to 24. Mr Anstoy, the deputy-leader, moved a further amendment demanding thai the Federal's foreign policy should be formulated by the House, and opposing the closing of Parliament durins Mr Brucc's absence. Mr Bruce explained that it was the wish ot the Ministry, not himself, that Parliament should close while he was in England. The debate was adjourned. In the House of Representatives Mr Anstey twitted Mr Bruce with not daring to leave the Country section of his party in charge while he was absent in England. He said that Mr Bruce claimed that the internal problems of Australia were subsidiary to and could be solved only after the problems of the Empire. Mr Bruce was going overseas to convert the British people to preference, but preference was only so much dope which would disappear at the first breath of reality. The real question was one of defence. Whether the people of Australia moved a hand or not they could be certain that navies and armies would move •out to defend the Imperial capital invested in the British possessions. It was for. Australia to defend herself, not. only against the "reds," but against the moneyed power which sought to enmesh the peoples of the world and to extend the area of human misery. He disclaimed against the policy of preparing for further wars. It was sought to intimidate the people and waste their substance in preparations for war, instead of using it to build up industry. The duty of Parliament wa6 to lay the economic foundation of defence and rebuild civilisation. Mr Bruce said the reason for adjourning Parliament was that Australia's representative must go to the Imperial Conference fully accredited. With Parliament open the leader of the Opposition would be making speeches declaring that lie had not the confidence of the people. Referring to the Empire's foreign policy, his only object was that if Australia was to share in defence she should have a voice in the framing of the foreigc policy of the Empire. As to defence without a proper defence scheme, Australia's position was most precarious. She had staked her existence on the "White Australia" policy, and it was a challenge to the world which they must be prepared to maintain. Xs to Imperial preference, the proposal for Empire reciprocity was one which would benefit both sides.