AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1920, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN.

(I’ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.-—COPYRIGHT., FEDERAL POLITICS. MELBOURNE, Sept, 12. In tlio Federal House, Mr Hughes has fallen foul of the country party. He has shown a display of temper that may possibly lead to future complications. Mr McWilliams (Leader of the Country Party) objected to the Government’s latest item of expenditure, of half a million on Queensland timber enterprise, made without consulting Parliament.

Mr Hughes bitterly attacked Mr McWilliams, accusing him oi coveting the Ministerial benches. He asserted Mr McWilliams had allied himself with Mr Ryan, the Labour Loader. Mr Hughes asserted that Dr Manuix had described Mr Ryan as the greatest Sinn Feiner of all. Mr Gregory (Deputy Leader of the Country Party, and a former Minister) admonished Mr Hughes. He threatened that, irrespective of the issue or of the consequences, his vote would go to depose Mr Hughes at the earliest opportunity if there ever was repetition.

A vote was taken on a motion to extend the Debate, as a test of the feeling. It resulted in the Government winning by only two votes, 29—27. The Country and Labour Parties voted together. QUEENSLAND POLITICS. BRISBANE, Sept. 12. Mr Theodore (Premier) delivering a policy speech, said tho Government hoped to float a local loan. If this were unsuccessful, they would resort to increased taxation rather than to curtail public works. IRON TRADES CRISIS.. SYDNEY, SEPT. 12. The position of the iron trades over a demand for a 44-hour week and no Saturday work, is still uncertain. In some sections of the trade many men worked yesterday, while in other sections the bulk of the employees ab-{ sented themselves. The employers show a solid front in resisting the men s demands, and declare tlieir intention of dosing down if the demands are persisted in. At a mass meeting of the trades involved, speeches were made advocating following the example of the Italian workers in taking over and running the shops, One speaker said: “If wo are locked out we will work the shops and, BUY bosses.” The more moderate speakers disclaimed, extreme action and foreign methods. The meeting adjourned till next Saturday, as it is impossible to declare a policy straight out until the negotiations with the Government are over, when the question of shorter hours will re.acji a finality.