FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 991, 10 September 1903, Page 3

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

THE CRISIS. MR KINGSTON AND THE LABOR PARTY AGAINST .'THE GOVERNMENT, Bjj Telegraph—Press Association—* Copyright, MELBOURNE, Sept. 9. All day yesterday a debate was maintained on clauso 3 of tho Arbitration Bill, on an amendment to leave out tho word “ not,” so as to make tho measuro apply to the public service of tho Common- | wealth or Stato. The amendment was negatived by 29 to 21. Mr McDonald then movod tho addition of words which

gavo the clause scope over railway men. I A long dobate followed, the recent railway I strike being traversed in arguments. Despite the Government’s resistance the I amendment was carried by 26 to 21. Sir E. Barton had progress reported, and the House adjourned. No fewer than six Government supporters voted for the amend- I ment. The Government are in a dilemma, I They cannot ask for a dissolution because thoro is not maoijinory for electing a now I House. They milst either secure rocision of the amendment or drop the Bill. I

Sir 13. Barton states that the Cabinot will moot this morning. The Labor party voted solidly for the amendment, Mr Kingston joining thorn. As compensation for the loss of its own followers, the Government received sovon Opposition votes, including Mr McMillan acting-leader of tho Opposition, who declared tho amendment was an unjustifiable attack on State rights. In the Senate the Government sustained a dofeat, a motion for adjournment being carried against them in regard to Pacific cable negotiations, owing to a rofusal to agree to a conference. Mr Biggs, who moved the adjournment, stated that Mr l Copeland had been endoavoring to get the partnors to tho Pacific Cable to withdraw tbb request for ,a’ conference. Sir E. Barton had also stated that Mr Boynolds, I manager of tho Pacific Cable, was satisfied I as to there being no need for a conference. He accused Mr Drake of intriguing, and Mr Copeland of misleading them. Sydney, Sept. 9.

The Premier and leading politicians state that the matter of including railway men in the Federal Act is not one for the Federal Government. State laws were adequate, and they regard the amendment as an infringement of the constitution. The local Labor legislators are elated at the vote. >

FEDERAL PREMIER'S STATEMENT ARBITRATION BILL ABANDONED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ' Received 10.39 p.m.. Sept. 9. Melbourne, Sept. 9, As soon as the House met. Sir E. Barton made a statement to the full House of the Government’s intentions. He said that after careful consideration Government had concluded that it could not Accept tho amendment carried on the previous night in the Arbitration Bill, which therefore would not be proceeded with. It was proposed to procoed with the Financial Debate and Estimates. The rost of the session would bo confined to finishing the Electoral Divisions, Defence, Eastern Extension Company’s Agroement, Capital Sites, Patents, and Naturalisation Bill. ~

Mr Reid movod the adjournment of the House to discuss the Government action in abandoning the Arbitration Bill.