NARROW MAJORITY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1190, 27 July 1911, Page 5

NARROW MAJORITY.

CRITICAL POSITION IN NEW

SOUTH WALES.

LABOUR'S LAND POLICY,

PARLIAMENT TO ADJOURN

By Tclccrapb-Press Association— Cooyrlehl

Sydney, July 26.

In the censure debate in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Wade, Leader of tho Opposition, hinted that perhaps members would soon be brought before the electors, and would then be judged as to lvow they voted on tho motion. Ho attacked tho Government for discontinuing the resunv ing of large estates. Emphasising the existence of land hunger, he stated that recently there were sixteen hundred applicants for four blocks thrown open for selection.

Mr. Holman, the Acting-Premier, in reply, declared that tho Government would havo been deserving of censure if it had wasted money on resumptions when it could bo better spent on railways and tho opening of Crown lands suitable for settlement. Tho Crown bad twenty-six million acres, which wore ready for settlement as 60on ns the special boards' reports classifying and valuing tho land were available, which would be in a few moutns.

Mr. Storey, leader of the Independents, lt.ovcd an addition to tho motion that the proposal to include rural workers within the provisions of the Industrial Bill is against the interests of land settlement.

Two Independent, members notified their intention of voting with tho Government on the censure motion, but declared they would voto against the repeal of tho Conversion Act when it came before tho House later.

The Government received a surprise when Messrs. Home and Dunn, the country Labour members, announced their resignation, as they wero unable conscientiously to respond to the demands of the party on the land question. Both stated that they did not- intend to offer themselves for re-election; also that they had paired with the Liberals on the censure motion.

After an all-night sitting of the Assembly, Mr. Wade's censure motion was defeated, tho voting being: For tho motion 37 Against the motion „..,. 42 Government majority : 5 Further Labour resignations are rumoured. Both tho seats rendered vacant by Labour members' resignations were, until last elections, held by Liberals.

EXCITING FINISH TO DEBATE. AMENDMENT REJECTED. (Rec. July 26, 7.20 p.m.) Sydney, July 26. Tho later stages of Iho censure debate were exciting. Towards the close two members of the Independent party announced their intention 'of voting for tho Government. This and the fact that Messrs. Dunne and Horn, prior io .resigniug, had arranged pairs with two Oppositionists, who respected their pairs, saved tho situation. Prior to tho taking of the censure division a further amendment was moved by Mr. Storey, to include rural workers under the Industrial Arbitration Bill was against the interests of land settlement. This was negatived by 41 Totes to 35.

AN ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED. OPPOSITION PROTEST. . (Rec. July 26, 9.5 p.m.) Sydney, July 26. When the Assembly mot this afternoon after the Cabinet had discussed tho situation, Mr. llolinan made a statement that while Ministers recognised that ordinarily a by-election was not a sufficient ground for suspending the business of the Parliament, it would be recognised as obviously impossible for business to proceed until tho two present vacancies had been filled. Tho Government therefore proposed to ask tho House to grant Supply to-night and would then deal with no other business, but would adjourn for a sufficient period to allow tho by-elections to bo decided. He proposed to movo to-morrow for an adjournment to August 22. Mr. Wade, Leader of tho Opposition, in a brief speech, declared (hat under tho conditions which had arisen there was no course open to' the Government but to resign. Mr. Storey also .opposed tho adjournment. Mr. Holman then gave notice of motion for an adjournment for to-morrow. The House then proceeded to business. IN THE COUNCIL. (Rec. July- 20, 11.15 p.m.)

Sydney, July 2G. In the Legislative Council Mr. Elowcrs, Vice-President of the Executive Council, announced that circumstances had arisen which prevented tho Chamber proceeding to business and asked that a quorum would attend to-morrow to pass Supply. The Council then adjourned. SUPPLY VOTED FOR TWO MONTHS. (Rec. July 27, 1 a.m.) Sydney, July 20. Tho resignations of Messrs. Dunn and Horn came as a surprise to the Labour party. Tho Government's existence now depends on the Independents, and that they are not yet out of tho wood was evidenced to-night in the Assembly. There was a simmering of excitement when Mr. Holman moved for three months' Supply. Mr. Wndo moved an amendment limiting Supply to two months. The amendment was defeated on the casting voto of the Speaker, the voting being 37 on each side. The debate is proceeding, and strenuous opposition is threatened for to-morrow on Mr. Holman's adjournment motion.