AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17121, 16 April 1921, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DEFEAT. MR HUGHES ANNOYED. (By Cable—Pies* Association (Australian N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, April 15. Mr Jowett's adjournment motion resulted in the defeat of the Ministry by 32 votes to 30. The vote is regarded , as of no importance, but the Prime Minister, Mr W. M. Hughes, is angry, stating that he will not bo subjected to humiliation. - It is understood that, before sailing for England, Mr Hughes will demand a guarantee of support frohi the Country Party during his absence. Interviewed, Mr Hughes Mid the position created was incompatible with responsible government. The vote and the circumstances were unprecedented during his 25 years' political career. [An earlier message stated : —ln the Federal Houso of Representatives Mr E. Jowett moved the adjournments jn order tcr discuss oversea froight rates on Australian goods. -He said the reduction announced was inadequate. In 601110 cases the freights on nrimary products Were 238 per cent, atovo the pre-war rates.] v (Received April 15th, 10 p.m.) MELBOURNE, April 15. . In the- House of Representatives Mr Hughes moved the adjournment, stating that it was impossible for a self-respect-, ing Government to carry on after last night's vote unless the position was cleared up. ... Dr. Earlo Pagoj speaking for the Coun'tly Party; refused to _ give Mr Jluglies any assurance of immunity ounng his 1 absence in England, but said no advantage would be taken of liis absence. • Dr. Page said he would vote in favour of the adjournment. Mr T. J. Ryan (Labour) gave notice of an amendment to Mr Hughes's formal motion regarding the Imperial Conference that the Auatrnlinn representative be not permitted to commit the Commonwealth to any policy without the same being subject, to ratification by Parliament and the peonle. There are indications that the Government will accept the motion for the adjournment as a test vote, but in view of Dr. Earle Page's declaration it ig certain to be carried.- , LABOUR'S MINORITY RULE. , ' j . SYDNEY, April 15. The "Sydney . Morning Herald" quotes figures showing that the aggregate polling .in all the States of the Commonwealth gives a verdict against the Labour Party in each instnnco, notably in Queensland and New South. Wales (.where there aro Labour Governments). . The respective totals are as follows: — • . . AntiLabour. Labour. Queensland ... 170,422 190,300 N.S. Wales ...' 285,752 . 300,000 The article states, that Labour is in power as a result of a faulty distribution of seats.