COMMONWEALTH CRISIS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 94, 25 April 1904, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH CRISIS

MR WATSON TO FORM A MINISTRY. MELBOURNE, April 23. Mr Watson has undertaken to form a Ministry, and lias been allowed till Wednesday to <lo so. (Received April 24, 9.18 a.m.) LONDON, April 24. The Daily Graphic says that Mr Watson is unlikely to succeed against two parties including the strongest debaters, all experienced administrators. When the task of endeavouring to command a steady majority fails Mr Deakin's opportunity may recur. LABOUR PARTY GIVES MR WATSON A FREE HAND. April 25, 1.11 a.m.) MELBOURNE, April 24. A caucus of the Labour Party after the acceptance of the commission to form a Ministry unanimously decided to give Mr Watson a free hand to choose withm or without the party, MR WATSON'S CAREER. Mr Watson, who has been summoned to form a Ministry, is an ex-New Zealander. He resided for many years in the small township of Weston, a few miles out of Oamaru, and received the ordinary school education. After leaving school, lie began his apprenticeship as a compositor in the Oamaru Mail oflice, and some time after completing his indentures left lor the North, and thereafter pro ceeding to Sydney, where iie worked at his trade. He took a prominent part in laibjpur matters in Australia, but while in Oamaru avoided political questions. His whole political career has, in fact, been developed in Australia.—N.Z.