RESULT COMPLETELY SURPRISED OPPOSITION

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12611, 23 November 1926, Page 7

RESULT COMPLETELY SURPRISED OPPOSITION

Mr Loughlin said' the Reds had got control of the last Labour conference, and Mr Lang held them. Gradually, but surely, they were getting control of the party and the Government. He then referred to the bribery charges, and said there had been an infamous imputation against members of the Caucus and later Mr Lang had deliberately set himself to frustrate and sidetrack the inquiry which was demanded. Mr Loughlin concluded with the declaration that he ana the two other members with him were proud of being in rebellion, but they most certainly would not hand the legislation of the State over to the Nationalists. ROYAL COMMISSION PROMISED. Later, Mr Lang, in a statement, said that as soon as he could get Cabinet together he would appoint a Royal Commission to see how certain members of the Legislative Council bad brought about the defeat of the Council Abolition Bill. The censure motion was defeated 44 votes to 42. Messrs Loughlin, Goodin, and Gillies refrained fnom voting, and Mr Skelton, the Independent

Labour member, voted with the Government.

When the result was announced the House was turned into a bedlam, and was adjourned amid scenes of uproar such as had not been seen for many years. The result was totally unexpected by the Opposition, who were certain that Mr Bavin would take charge of the House when the count was announced. The House then adjourned till Monday. The defeat of the censure motion was brought about by a lastminute arrangement between Mr Lang and Mr Loughlin and the latter’s supporters. The Premier gave an assurance that when the House met on Monday he would ask for four months' supply, and then apply to the Governor for a dissolution. The three breakaways on these conditions decided that they would support Mr Lang; both to defeat the censure motion and to carry Supply. Parliament, therefore, if the Governor grants dissolution, will end this month, and the Budget proposals, new taxes and other legislation will be thrown overboard.