AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 2 November 1901, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH

Majority for Government of Fourteen.

[per PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.]

Melbourne, Nov. 1

■Negotiations between the leaders bring the conclusion of having failed, and the Government refusing iho adjourn, the Opposition have commenced a stonewall.

Tho debate was kept going throughout the day. Thomas’ amendment was withdrawn early in the'day, leaving the issuo to the main motion. The proceedings arc of a dry nature, occasionally enlivened by a slight scene.

After dinner Mr Kingston ably summed up on behalf of Government, traversing the Opposition attack and defending the tariff. Ho said that if the Government saw a chance of reducing the duties on the necessaries of life, and raw material they would do so.

Mr Eeid was in his best form, and made a lively speech, occupying three hours. He said ho would strive to reduce the tariff to reasonable proportions; but a tariff framed like this was most incapable of reasonable amendment. The duty of the Opposition would be to make a genuine revenue tariff and reduce the duties on primary industries and the necessaries of life. Direct taxation were better left to the States. He hoped Government would find some means of placing the tariff before people. Nearly every body would vote against it. He was prepared to accept a tariff as permanent for at least ten years on the strength of a plebeseite. There would be no rest till the peo'nle had decided. Tuo Government might fsel pretty snug now with a docile following, but it would be done later on.

The division was taken amidst considerable excitement, and Mr Eeid’s motion was negatived by 39 to 25. (Cheering and counter cheering). The House then adjourned.