A HEATED DEBATE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3240, 9 June 1911, Page 2

A HEATED DEBATE.

SYDNEY GOVERNMENT HOUSE

NO ROOM FOR THE GOVERNOR-

GENERAL

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.] (SYDNEY, June 8,

There was a heated, debate in the Assembly on a motion for adjournment moved by Mr Wade, to discuss the Government proposal to dispossess the Governor-General of Government House.

Mr Wade contended that there was a definite arrangement when the Federal Parliament was not sitting that the Governor-General should reside in Sydney. Only the strongest reasons could justify the breaking of that arrangement. If the State Government did so, the Commonwealth would be under no obligation to make fresh provision. It meant to all intents and purposes shutting the Governor-General ‘out of the State in his official capacity, and playing into the hands of those determined to keep the seat of Government in Melbourne. The step was not only a breach of faith with the Commonwealth, but with the Imperial authorities. Othermemberg strongly. supported these contentions.

Mr Holman, in reply, said that the running of Government House cost the State £7500 annually, while the Gov-ernor-General resided there only a short time each year. He disclaimed responsibility for the State Government providing a residence for. the- GovernorGeneral. It was the Commonwealth’s duty. The time had arrived when the State assets should he used for State purposes. The State Government had made up its mind in the matter, and there was no f intention of going back. The motion for adjournment was negatived.

Mr Hughes, Acting Federal Premier, being interviewed, declared that unless it was possible to house the GovernorGeneral suitably in Sydney he could not go there.