POLITICAL CRISIS IN VICTORIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 856, 31 January 1883, Page 2

POLITICAL CRISIS IN VICTORIA.

Dissolution of Parliament.

[reuter’s telegrams—copyright.] [Received Jan. 31, 2.10 a.m.] Melbourne, Yesterday. The greatest surprise was occasioned to-night when it was announced that Sir Bryan o‘Loghlen had advised the Governor to grant a dissolution, and that His Excellency had consented to such course. The official gazette confirms the announcement, and states that the Ministers present a memorandum to the Governor, representing that the future prospects were not encouraging for the transaction of business in Assembly after the recess. They set forth —firstly, that there exists an evident intention to impede by concerted action any measures presented to Parliament, especially the Land Bill; secondly, judging by the past conduct of the Opposition, Ministers foresee a succession of motions aiming at no definite result, save the exclusion of legitimate business ; and thirdly—that some members, instead of adopting an open policy of obstruction, count on defeating fresh legislation, thereby disparaging the Government. The Ministers review the proceedings of Parliament before the recess, and show that six motions tantamount to votes of want of confidence, were discussed in debates occupying twenty-five days. Further, that thirty-six motions for adjournment were brought in, and were manifestly the outcome of a deliberate intention to obstruct business. In consequence of the facts set forth, Ministers have come to the conclusion that it would be useless to ask the Assembly to proceed with business. The memorandum concludes by adducing further reasons in support of the advice that Parliament should be dissolved. The Governor, in replying, said he is of opinion that the Government are entitled to a dissolution, and that he recognises that the Assembly is unlikely to transact any business. His Excellency therefore accepts the advice of the Government, which has not been defeated in the Assembly, and is still in exercise of full responsibility. The Gazttte announces that Parliament is prorogued till February 25, and; a dissolution 4 will take place on Saturday. Writs for the new elections will be issued on February 9. Nominations are fixed for the 15th, and the polling takes place on the 22 nd. The new Parliament will meet on 27th February. (Received Jan. 31, 12.30 p.ra.) Melbourne, To-day. Mr Berry has issued a circular to his supporters asking them to meet to-day to discuss the political situation. The Argus to-day declares that the Government has strained the dissolution on a sham issue, and under false pretences. It asserts that the real cause of the Ministers asking for a dissolution is the certainty that they would have to face a vote of want of confidence after the bungling of the loan, and declares that'it is unfair to take the country by surprise, .