FEDERAL POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3004, 15 February 1917, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

COALITION PROSPECTS LESS FAVOURABLE THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE BrTdesraDlwPreEß AsEociaUon-Ocujj-riElil Melbourne, February 11. Tho prospects for a coalition are pot !»s bright as formerly. Ministerialists agreed to the terras, tub ilio Liberals, after a protracted meeting, did not come to a definite conclusion. While other terms of the agreement were accepted the ■meeting debated at length tho 'clause tnat tho consoriptiou referendum decision, should bo respected, Mid passed a .xesolution that all must ho forsotten about tlio referendum, and oven •though .compulsory service beyond Ans; tralia Was banished'from their minds, everything possible should be done to ■bring home to the people tho necessity ■of reinforcements: A further motiou was passed tnat_iu View of the seriousness of tho situation it is urgently necessary that, the Minister, of Defence (Senator Pearce) ishould sit in tho Houso of Representatives. (Kec. February 15, 0.55 a.m.) Melbourne, February l<l. Further negotiations have left tho political situation still unsettled. . ■ THE LABOTJITsPUT LV SOUTH .AUSTRALIA. By Telesrarli-Prep« ■ Acsocfatlnn-Oopyrielit ; . Adelaide, February 13. r Ali a special conference of the Stalo Labour Party called to discuss the party split, a resolution was adopted icalling upon the Premier (Mr. Vaugnau) and all members of Parliament who had disobeyed the September mandate (to oppose conscription) to give an aseurtonce that they would abido by tho decisions of the conference. Mr. Vauehan and his followers then left the conference, explaining that thin meant their final break withthc Labour Party. SENATE PASSES SUPPLY BILL. (Roc. February 14,11.50 p.m.) /Melbourne, February 14. The Federal Senate has passed the Supply Bill. , UNEMPLOYMENT IN AUSTRALIA. iWOEK FOR CARPENTERS IN ... BRITAIN. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Melbourne, February 14. In reply to a deputation representing iho unemployed, Mr. W. M. Hughes '(Federal Premier) stated that at his Suggestion the Imporial Government was taking a thousand carpenters from 'Australia to assist in war work in Britain. In. reply to a question regarding other unemployed men. hero, Mr. Hughes said thero was no money available and no larg9 publio works would be started. RUNAWAY RAILWAY VAN TRAIN SMASH IN TASMANIA. By Telegraph-Press Aesociation-Copyrielit Hobart, February 14. !A runaway railway van collided with h train at Lynchford, wrecking three carriages and injuring five passengers.