FEDERAL FIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 973, 20 August 1903, Page 4

FEDERAL FIGHT.

A POLITICAL COMEDIAN BECOMES TRAGIC.

HAVING A SAFE SEAT RESIGNS TO SEEK RE-ELECTION.

By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright.

MELBOURNE, Aug. 19,

In the House, the Government by a large majority carried a proposal to reject the new Federal electoral divisions,' of New South Wales 1 . Mr Reid iinmddi’a't'Cfy handed in his resignation to the Premier as a protest.

The debate which led to Mr Reid’s resignation was 1 very animated. Mr Reid said that the 'question was above fleeting party fortunes. The Electoral Act enshrined the birthrights of every man and woman. Despite that sinister influences were working, members sat silent while armiqs of working men and women were being robbed of their rights. He closed with an urgent appeal to the Government to reconsider their attitude, and not allow wholesale deprivation of the people’s rights. Sir W. Lyne hotly replied to what he termed the “ vicious, venemous ” rem'arks, and sajid that many of the assertions made therein were untruthful.

The Government propose to reject the New South Wales electoral division was carried by 31 to 15. Mr Reid’s resignation was made as “ a protest against what he regarded as unparalleled treachery to the principles upon, which the whole political institutions were based.”

1-Ie will return to Sydney at the end of the week, and seek re-election He addresses a meeting of his constituents on Monday.

Sir Id. Barton, the Federal Premier, in an inter view, said : 1,1 Mr Reid appears to have abandoned his original role of clown, and by way of contrast to have turned tragedian.”

SYDNEY, August 19

The Herald says that Mr Reid met the Government’s wanton outrage of the constitution by a course which will afford New South Wales, an opportunity of speaking with no uncertain sound. It is-a matter of sincere congratulation that a chance of dealing with the Barton Government on a definite issue lias) .conxo this .way. and, says the paper, we have no fear as to the result.

The Telegraph says that the disreputable victory had 'a result which must startle the Government and their undemocratic gjllies. Mr Reid’s action was a direct challenge to the .Government to justify, itself, not before members willing to sacrifice electoral justice, hut before one of the aggrieved constituencies. The result can he anticipated .with confidence.