FEDERAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 96, 27 April 1904, Page 3

FEDERAL POLITICS.

MR WATSON'S ASSURANCES. LONDON, April 25. Mr Watson has forwarded a caible to the English press- setting forth his intentions as Prime Minister. Commenting on Mr Watson's assurances the Daily Chronicle declares that he intends at the outset to pursue a cautious policy. lie ia equally anxious with British investors to have it known that he opposed to reckless expenditure. The Chronicle atkLs : —His caution regarding preference will impress the public favourably. The full responsibility of office will have a soldering eflect on the wilder spirits of tha party, if ''Mr Watson can control them, as he hopes.' l

A PECULIAR SITUATION. MELBOURNE, April 26. A peculiar situation threatens to develop over Mr Deakin's announced Intention that his party will oceupy the benches previously occupied by the Reidites. Mr Reid claims that there is no ease on record where a third party has been Invited to tuke office. Mr Deakin has created the emiliusrassment himself, and, as a rightful Opposition still exists, his party must occupy the Labour benches. There is a general feeling that Mr Watson should be given a fair trial when he meets the House. It Is announced that Mr Watson has a satisfactory understanding with Lord Northcote regarding a dissolution.

Mr Watson states that his cable to the London press was sent through Reuter. lie declined to allow it to be published in Australia.

MR REID DISSATISFIED. MELBOURNE, April 26. The Secretary for the Colonies has cabled Mr Deakin that the King has been pleased to confer the title of "Honorable "on all the 'membjers of the first Federal Parliament. This in response to numerous representations on the subject. Mr G. H. Reid, denying the statement that he approved of Mr Watson being sent for, added that if vice given by Mr Deakin, then Mr Eeakin had assumed a very serious responsibility and topk a course which may be discussed with advantage by constitutional writers. Mr Deafcin states that he did advise Lord Northcote to summon Mr Watson. On grounds of high principle and conimcm sense he was prepared to defend his action when the proper time comes. It Is stated that Mr Kingston's health would prevent his joining the Ministry at present, even if he irers .willing to do so.

LABOUR JUBILANT, MELBOURNE, April 26. The keynote of the speeches at the Eight Hours luncheon was the triumph of labour, and rejoicing over Mr Watson's selection. Many Federal members were present. The chairman (Mr Gage), in proposing the toast, " The Parliament," hoped the >icw Federal Ministry would stand the test. He trusted that when it went down, if it did go down,, it would do so as a solid party, witb the labour flag flying. If the Labour Party could not carry on as a solid party he trusted it would not attempt to carry on at all. Mr Tom Mann said that democracy waa more clearly seeing the goal. It must make headway. There was a gradual escapement from the domination and control of the capitalistic faction.

NEW MINISTRY FORMED. (Received April 26, 9.48 p.m.) MELBOURNE, April 26. Mr Watson has formed a Ministry as follows Mr Watson, Prime Minister alnd Treasurer ; Mr Hughes, External Affairs ; Mr Higgitis, Attor-ney-General ; Mr Batchelor, Home Affairs ; Mr Fisher, Customs ; Mr Dawson, Defence; Mr Mahon, Post-mastcrt-General ; Mr McGregor, viceFresident of the Executive Council.

MINISTRY WILL BE SWORN IX TO-MORROW. ADJOURNMENT TO BE ASKED FOR. (Received April 27, 1.12 a.m.) MELBOURNE, April 2G. Mr Witßon waited on Lord Xorthcote ami submitted the names of his Ministry, which will be sworn in to-morrow. It is understood that when Parliament meets to-morrow he will ask for an atljaurnmunt of two or three weeks to formulate a programme. Excepting Mr Higgins, who is a clever though somewhat meteoric Parliamentarian and a steady supporter of labour, all the Ministers are members of the caucus. Mr Trenwith's longstanding rupture with the Trades Hall barred his inclusion. The Doakin Government held a final executive meeting to-day. Lord Northcote was present mid took official leave of his late Ministers.