Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878.] SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1904 Commonwealth Politics.

Manawatu Herald, 20 August 1904, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. [Established Aug. 27, 1878 .] SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1904 Commonwealth Politics.

The Arbitration Bill seems to be one of the most difficult problems that the Federal Parliament have yet bad to face, In April last Mr Deakin was defeated drii the question as to Whether? civil Servants should be included within the scope of the measure, and now another phase of the bill, that of preference to unionists, has brought Mr Watson and his COHoagUCd t'O grief. When the Labour party entered into power on the resignation of, Mr Deakin, few people thought they would be able to retain office. The consensus of opinion was that Ml 1 Reid and Mr Deakin Would join bands, and that in the face of this combination the position of the Labour party would be untenable. It soon became evident, however, that such a coalition was impossible, Owing to’ the open hostilit / of certain of the Deakinites towards Mr Reid, and to Mr Deakin’s*refusal to accept office in a coalition Ministry. The opinion also prevailed to some extent that the Labour party by introducing preferential legislation would in a very short time bring about its own downfall. But the reverse has been the case. The Watson Government during their term of offioe have brought forward no violent or unfair measures, but have conducted themselves in such a manner as to draw praise from even the most Conservative of the British and Australian press. When it is raembered that the Labour Government had had little or no experience in the work they were called upon to perform, their success is all the more praiseworthy. The Arbitration Bill, however, as in the case of Mr Deakin, has proved to be their Waterloo, and after vainly endeavouring to pursuade the GovernorGeneral to grant a dissolution, Mr Watson has tendered his-’resigna-tion.

To Mr Reid has been entrusted the task of forming a new ministry, but whether he will be able to keep office for any length of time is questionable. The triangular struggle that is continually going on in the Federal House must necessarily render the position of the Government an insecure one. Mr Reid has been fortunate enough to include Sir George Turner, Australia’s famous treasurer, in his ministry, and this will considerably strengthen his hands. The stumhb, ing block, however, is the question of tariff. Mr Reid is a pronounced Free-trader, while a large section- pf the Deakinites are strong Protec-, tionists It is reported to be the intention of the extreme Protecr tionists to bring the tariff question before the House at the earliest opportunity, and if this is done it is very doubtful whether the Reid Government can escape defeat. The Labour party are also advocates of Protection, and if their weight is thrown into the balance, as it no doubt will be, the cause of the new' Government is hopeless. However, it is only fair that Mr Reid should be'given a chance. Messrs Deakin and Watson have had their,turn, and have failed. It remains to be seen whether Mr Reid will be more successful.. : -, > -,.. .