THE COMMONWEALTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 62, 17 March 1904, Page 2

THE COMMONWEALTH.

FEDERAL CAIHNET DUTEKEN. OES. MELIIOUILVE, March 10. There are persistent rumours of serious differences of opinion in the Cabinet over the question of the inclusion of State servants in the operation of the Arbitration Hill, and there is a possibility of Mr Ueakin resigning if their inclusion is carried. The debate on the Addrcss-in-Re-ply has advanced a stage. THE APDRESS-IN-REPLY. (Received March Hi, 11.50 p.m.) MELIJOURNE, March 16. j In the Senate Mr lliggs was elected chairman of committees. In the House Sir John Forrest resumed tlie debate on the Address-in- | Reply. He hud always supported arbitration in industrial disputes, but strongly opposed civil servants being ■brought under the operation of the I bill. The frumers of the constitution | had never intended that this should bw done. He thought the Labour I'urty was putting on too much steam, and advised its members to I hasten steadily. THE POSH I RLE FEDERAL COALITION GOVERNMENT. LONDON, Mnrch 15. The newspapers follow the rumours published in the Australian press of u possible Deuliin-Reiil coalition with keen interest. THE LABOUR PARTY. (Received March Hi. 11.511 p.m.) SYDNEY, .March JO. The Federal Poslmuster-nencrul (Hon. Sir Philip Eysh), speaking at Muilgee, said that while the Labour Party represented a large number of electors it did not constitute a force which.could overcome the scruples of Ministers. There would be no swerving for the purpose of seeking labour votes. He spoku on the assurance of Mr Deakin that railway employees and civil servants would not be' included in the provisions of the Arbitration Hill. Such an action would be an invasion of State rights and if attempted the Slates would be in open rebellion. TASMANIAN POLITICS. HOIIART, March 10. Mr Evans has been elected 1 eader of the Opposition. The Ministry's proposed mode of lighting the Council and the re-Introduction of un occupiers tax are unpopular and it is stated that some of the (Jovernment su|jporters are likely to cross the floor and give the' Opposition a majority.