THE COMMONWEALTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 109, 12 May 1904, Page 2

THE COMMONWEALTH.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association.— By Telegraph.—Copyright.

FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY CRISIS. A NEW PHASE. MELBOURNE, May 11. A number of the Labour members acting on their own volition, interviewed Mr Deakin, and urged a coalition between the Poakinites and the Labour party. It is understood that Mr Deakin objects to the Labour party, not because it is the La~ bour party, but because ol its constitution, J VICTORIAN STATE POLITICS. (Received May 11, 10.38 p.m.) MELBOURNE, May 11. The election campaign has opened. J Mr Bent (Premier) in a manifesto, warns the electors of the grave danger "that besets tho State it you are indifferent and fail us. All that has been accomplished will be lost, and it will not be long before you feel the squeeze of the Socialists and their allies the Opposition, who aro wailing to advance merely class interests, regardless of the general welfare of tho country. He urges the electors to resist the surging rush of socialism which threatens the best interests of Victoria. Mr Bent says-bis policy is reduced to one of taxation and economy, the stoppage of further drift and mismanagement of State funds by preventing wasto and ineptitude in the public departments, and also the development of tho producing interests* Mr Mackinnon, Leader of the Opposition, is credited with sympathising with this Labour party, whose leader (Mr Bromley) is hopeful of seeing a Labour Governmnnt in power.

A DEAKIN-REID CONFERENCE. (Received May 12, 1,10 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 11. Hon. G. H. Reid goes to Melbourne to-morrow. It is understood his mission is to confer with Mr Deakin regarding the suggested coalition.