A POLITICAL CRISIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2178, 6 September 1907, Page 2

A POLITICAL CRISIS.

A SPLIT IN THE GOVERNMENT CAMP. SIR JOiSEPJT AVAR!) GETS ANGRY, AND THREATENS TO DROP THE TARIFF. (Special to Times.) AVELLINGTON,' September 4. Tho following is tho division List on the amendment moved by Mr. Herries which provided for tho removal of tho 6 per cent, duty on mining machinery as proposed by tho Government :

Ayes 32 —Messrs. J. Allen, Bennett, Bollard, Colvin, Dillon, Duncan, Frasor, AV. Grconslude, Guinness, Hall, Hardy, Hoke, Herries, Hornsby, Jennings, Lang, Lethbridge, Lowjs, Mackenzie, Major, Massoy, (Mills, Okoy, Poland, Reid, Remington, Ross, Ruthorford, Seddon, Symes. Noes 30—Messrs. Aitkon, E. G. Allon, Arnold, Barber, Barolay, Buddo, Carroll, Davey, Ell, Fisher', Fowlds, A. L. D. Fraser, Gray, Hainan, Hogg, Izard, Kidd, Lawry, McGowan, McNab, Millar, Poole, Sidoy, Stallworthy, Stowart, Tanner, AVard, AVilford, AVitty, AVood. After this vote was disposed of a strong attempt was niado to alter the tariff on dairying machinery. _ This brought Sir Joseph AVard to his feet with tho startling statement that ho would advise his colleague to report progress on tho tariff. Ho very .much doubted whether they should go on with tlio tariff that evening niter wliat had taken place. The Gov< ruin en-t had not been blind to what had boon going on. Mr. Massev : “Wo object. to your knowing what has been going on.” ~ ~ Sir Joseph AVard said tho Government know about it and the AVliips know about it. He spoke strongly of the attitude of some of his own supporters. If they were party men they should let tlio Government know what they were going to do. Ho referred particularly to Mr. Greenslide, who had been speaking and whipping in favor of tlio reduction of the duties on dairying machinery. Mr. Greens Lade said ho had done his best in the interests of tho dairy industry. Sir Joseph AVard said there was a combination of those interested in the two industries, dairying and mining, to oppose tho Government in tho carrying of the tariff. He said emphatically that he would not be placed in that position for anyone. (Hear, hear.) He said that distinctly and emphatically. He was not going to b e treated in a manner that was grossly unfair by a section of his own party. If they were going to act thus then they ought to know whore they were. Mr. Ross: “Your party havo tlio same rights as the Opposition.” Sir Joseph AVard said he saw the position, and understood exactly what they wero doing. AVhen a leading member of the Opposition moved a motion and members of his (Sir Joseph AVard’s) party reversed thenvotes it was quite evident that on the items in this tariff tho Government could not rely on their support.”