FEUERAL POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1917, Page 1

FEUERAL POLITICS.

A Dcubla LnssQiuilor;. (Australia A N.Z. Cable Assort ltior.) AIELBOtiIINE, starch 5. In the Senate, Senator Milieu announced that file Federal Government had decided on a double dissolution immediately the attempt to secure inu co operation of all parties in carrying on the war failed, as there was no hope of an agreement. The delegation to the Imperial Conference was postponed. MELBOURNE, -March oth. Tile Government’s decision that both houses appeal to the Country iir.mediately is remarkable inasmuch as it was generally forecasted that the Government expected the Senate to eai ry the extension of Parliament proposals this morning with a majority of me. Senator Milieu in explaining the decision- said that from the first meeting the Government was assailed with > virulence and malignity unparented in the history of the Federal Parinu.cat and it was quite clear there was no hope of co-operation from the opposition, thus rendering all attempts of the Government impossible. This decision necessarily involved the postpo'nment lof the departure of the delegation to the Imperial Conference. Premier Hughes submits a full statement to the House to-morrow.

Although a double dissolution is announced the Const! i tio.n. provides that under the present circumstances only half 'of the Senate go to the c'u t*. rs, probably at the end of April <a early ia May.