N.S.W POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1921, Page 2

N.S.W POLITICS .

SPEAKER RESIGNS HIS POST, ItTSTRAT.IAX AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION SYDNEY, Dee. 8. The Sydney morning papers announced Mr Levy's resignation from the Non South Wales Assembly Speakership. Mr Levy in the early editions of the evening papers, had emphatically denied this, hut lie promised to make a statement in the Assembly. The House was crowded and simmering with excitement when Mr Levy rose. He then announced that he was resigning the Speakership. He explained that he. had accepted the position at a time when the Opposition forces decided and desired to save the expense of an appeal Lo the country. Hence, he had accepted the Humiliation of Labour as Speaker, as it was the largest party. The Opposition elements and the Notional Progressive elements had now united in a body, for the first time since the meeting of the Parliament. This had changed the circumstances, and had rendered it impossible for his vote to maintain in power a Party which he had been elected to- oppose. Particularly in view of the contentious legislation which was contemplated since the Cabinet was reconstructed after the death of Mr Storey (late Premier).

Premier -Dooley rose and paid a tribute to Air Levy’s ability in the Speaker's chair. He Hit id lie hoped that no member of the Labour Party would severely ciiticise the action of Air Levy.

Sir John Fuller (Nationalist Leaden who had trenchantly censored Air Levy when the latter accepted the speakership, said lie now retracted what he formerly said. He said Af.r Levy’s icsignation convinced the members that no promises or preferment had infitieneed the action of Air Levy when he was appointed Speaker. The leaders of the Progressives and the Independent Parties also expressed their admiration for Air Levy.

The House then adjourned till Tuesday.

Prior to -Mr Levy’s resignation, tile Assembly passed, in committee, a short Bill for empowering the Health authorities to tighten up the plague precautions.

CABINET IN A CORNER. (Received This Day at S 30 a.m.) SYDNEY. Dec. 1). Mr Levy’s resignation brought a finale to a situation which was marked by growing tenseness ever since Mr Fuller gave notice of his censure motion. Negotiations and hurried conferenees amongst the various parties ami with the speaker have been in constant progress. It is understood that though tlic Nationalists and Progressives will not amalgamate, they are pledged to act solidly together in shifting the Labour Government. It is alleged that the Government have unavailingly approached certain members ot both the Nationalist and Progressive parties with a view to including them to accept the speakership, and thereby to save the Government. It is further stated that these negotiations are still , in progress, though it is not anticipated % they will he successful as things stand.

Government, in failing to secure a Speaker outside its own ranks, would face an adverse motion in a minority. The alternatives confronting Premier Dooley are to give Mr h idler a chance of forming a Government (which is considered unlikely), or asking for a dissolution. Whatever happens, a dissolution at an early date is considered certain. The situation is complicated. Only a portion of the estimates have been passed.