The Federal Crisis.

Manawatu Herald, 18 August 1904, Page 3

The Federal Crisis.

SIR GEORGE TURNER JOINS MR REID. Mr Reid has announced that Sir George Turner (who was Treasurer in the Deakin Administration) has definitely consented to join him. Mr Watson promises to give Mr Reid every consideration, and says he hopes members will not strew tacks in the way of Mr Reid’s cycle. He does not think Mr Reid will be able to carry on, owing to the discordant elements in the party he leads. Mr Reid is making good progress in forming his Cabinet, but does not expect to complete his task before Thursday. Mr Watson has consented to Mr Reid’s suggestion to move, when the House meets to-morrow, to adjourn till Thursday. Sir George Turner, who is to be Treasurer in the new Ministry, states that, in consequence of the forwardness of Mr Watson's preparation, he will be able to deliver his Budget in three weeks. The “Age" declares that if any protectionist joins the Reid coalition it will be such an act of party perfidy as no organised body could afford to forget. No protectionist should sully his escutcheon by allaying himself with a man and a cause which have been decisively rejected by the country. The “Argus,” which approves a coalition, says the fiscal question has been definitely set aside, for this Parliament at least, by all but a very small section, who are using it in the hope of embarrassing Mr Reid.