FEDERAL GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 323, 9 June 1911, Page 5

FEDERAL GOVERNOR -GENERAL

XEW SOUTH WALES' ACTION. A HEATED DEBATE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, June 8. A heated debate took place in the Assembly on a motion for adjournment, moved by Mr. Wade, in order to discuss the Government's proposal to dispossess the Governor-General from Government House. He contended that it was a definite arrangement that when the Federal Parliament was not sitting the Go-vernor-General should reside in Sydney, and only the strongest reasons could justify the breaking of the arrangement. If this were done the Commonwealth was under no obligation to make fresh provision, nnd it mtant, to all intents liiai purposes, shutting the GovernorGeneral out of the Stiltc in his official capacity, thus playing into the hands of those who were determined to keep the seat of Government in Melbourne. The step was not only a breach of faith with the Commonwealth, but with the Imperial authorities.

Other members strongly supported Jfr. Wade's contentions, . ; Mr. Dolman, in reply, said tliat the tunning of Government House cost the State £7.)00 annually, while the Govern-or-General resided there only a short time each year. ITe disclaimed any responsibility on the part of the State Government for providing a residence for the Governor-General. It was the duty of the Commonwealth to do so. The time had arrived when the assets of the State should be used for State purposes. The State Government had made w> its mind on the matter, and had no intention of going back. The motion for adjournment was negatived.

Mr. Hughes, in an interview, declared that Unless it was possible to house the Dovernor-General suitably in Sydney he could not go there.