BOTH SIDES RETICENT.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14987, 6 June 1914, Page 11

BOTH SIDES RETICENT.

ELECTIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN AUGUST. (Received June sth, 9.14 p m ) MELBOURNE, Juno 5. 1 hough anticipated for some time, the f act tbat Mf ooofe hftd actual]y asked for a double dissolution carco as a surprise. Tho news leaked out at an early hour this morning, after both Honses had adjourned, late editions of tho morning papers publishing it. Tho House was in a state of tension when it met to-day. Tho Minister of Cnstoms moved a BUI to amend tho Industries Preservation Act amidst excitement, and Opposition cries for a statement from Mr Cook.

The motion was carried. Mr Fisher asked Mr Cook if he intended to pursue a course which would wovent the Opposition from looking on his smiling faco for some timo. Mr Cook replied, "Yes." Ho had tendered certain advice to tho Gover-nor-General, which had been accepted. It had been agreed to simultaneously dissolve both Houses as coon as tho necessary Supply had been granted. Tho announcement was received with groat cheering by the Ministerialists, and counter-cheering by tho Opposition. A similar announcement in tho Senate was received in silence. Both Houses adjourned till Wednesday. After tho adjournment meetings of both parties discussed tho situation. Both «ides are reticent. Mr Cook has not disclosed tho advico which he tendered to Sir Ronald MunroFerguson. When the Homrn meets he will ask for three months' Supply to carry the Government over the elections, which take place on the new rolls. These are now in tho printer's hands, and are allegedly in a very backward condition. The elections will probably take place in August. Mr Fisher was not inclined to discuss the Governor-General's action beyond declaring that it would have far-reach-ing consequence in tho future government of Australia. He added that the elections would be held on a false issue by a discredited party. Labour appealed to tho electors with every confidence.

Other members of tho party were loss reticent. One declared that Sir R. Munro-Forguson'6 decision was scandalous. It was the first timo a GovernorGeneral had shown partisanship.