A Political Crisis in Victoria.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 163, 9 January 1895, Page 3

A Political Crisis in Victoria.

(Per Press Association.) Melbourne, This Day. The hostility of the Legislative Council towards the land tax continues. In the Legislative Assembly last night, after securing reduction in the sum appropriated for the payment of Ministers, from £25,000 to £10,400, the Premier moved the second reading of the Bill to reduce the payment of members from J270 to £200. The second reading of the Bill was carried on a division by 60 votes to 20. In Committee on the measure, a crisis vras precipitated at a late hour last night. Mr Patterson moved to reduce the amount of the honorarium from £270 to £250, instead of £200, as proposed in the BUI. This amendment was negatived, whereupon Mr Hancock moved a reduction of one shilling on the amount suggested by Mr Patterson. Mr Murray moved to report progress, and the Government opposed the motion; but on division the Labor members, who had hotly opposed a reduction in the payment, joined forces with the Opposition party, the result being the defeat of the Government by eight votes. The Premier then moved an adjournment of the House, stating the Government had lost control of the business, and would like time to consider their action. This was agreed to, and the House adjourned till Thursday. The Premier's statement is taken to imply resignation.