SIGNS OF REVOLT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 171, 12 March 1932, Page 5

SIGNS OF REVOLT

CL'Post" Special Commissioner.)

. % \ 11 * ARBITRATION BILL SEVERAL COALITIONISTS WILL : VOTE AGAINST s MEASURE ' WILL THEY BE DISCIPLINED? MR. FORBES NONCOMMITTAL

WELLINGTON, Friday. Several members of the Coalition, prominent among whom are Mr. R. .4. Wright (Wellington Suburbs) and M. A. J. Stallworthy (Eden), in- ' tend definitely" ffo vote against the Government on the Industrial Concil- . iaticn and Arbitration Amendment ' Bill and some speculation is being indulged in in political quarters as to how the Prime Minister will regard their action. The Bill is one of first-class policy importance and in ordinary circamstances the Party leader would probably feel justified in applying stern disciplinary measures to any of his supporters who voted with the Oppositi.on. When tbe Party in pc-wer possesscs a bare v/orking majofity, summary expulsion is invariably the penalty imposed on members who de-r-ert their leader in a matter of policy. Witli regard to the Arbitration Bill however, the position is different. Several supporters of the Government, botli Reform and United, gave pledges during tbe election campaign tbat they would resist any attempt to lestroy tbe foundation of tlie Act or • to undermine the existence of the Arbitration Court and one of them at least has advised the Prime Minister that so far as the measure at present before tbe House is concerned, lie will not only oppose it strehuously, but vote against it. Will Honour Promises In addition, there aie members of • tho Coalition who, though they entered the House unpledged on this issue are in disagreement with the pi'o- * visions of the Bill, but liesitate to embarass their Party. It is understood, however, that those who have com- • mitted tbemselves on tbe platform will adliere to their promises, even if it involves expulsion from their Party and an independent appea: to their electorates. When asked what would be the ■ position of a Goalitionist who voted egainst the Government on the Bill, J.he Prime Minister was disinclined o discuss the matter, but he stated tbat oue or two members had informed liim tbat they had given election pledges on tbe subject. He addf d that he did not expect there would be any trouble. Mr. Forbes was asked if members onposing the Government would be disciplined and be replied that tbe '-sue did Involve a matter of policy and liad been discussed during the election. "Will members who vote against the Bill be expelled?"°was a question e.ddressed to tbe Prime Minister. "The legislation before the House is a matter of policy," replied Mr. Forbes. No Unreasonable Delay It is not expected tbat tbe Labour Party -will go to any unreasonable 7?ngtbs in opposing tbe Bill. A' number of amendments will be suggested from the Opposition behches, but 't is gathered in the lobbies to-day that "stonewall" tactics will not be edopted. "We will oppose tbe measure, but i ur opposition will not be unreason- ; able," said one member of the Labour Party to-day. In view of the attitude adopted by a number of Government members it is considered as almost certain that the Bill will be amended considerably in the committee stages. Representatives of all sections of ihe Labour movement waited upon members of Parliament to-day and placed their case before them in opposition to the provisions of the Bill. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr H. E. Holland) presided and the main f peakers were Mr. J. Roberts, secretnry of the Alliance of Labour, and Mr E. Kennedy.