AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 200, 21 February 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

THE VICTORIAN MINISTRY. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, February 20. Mr. Baillieu has resigned his portfolio iind becomes an honorary Minister. Mr. EJgar succeeds him as Minister of Public Works and Health. ' ' A MEMBER'S SUSPENSION. Received 20, 8.55 p.m. Sydney, February 20. In the Assembly Mr. Wood, member I for Bega, whom the Speaker suspended several weeks ago, presented himself and stated he desired to apologise since the majority of the House adjudged him guilty of contempt. At the same time ha felt that the charges imputed to him were groundless. - The Speaker insisted on an unqualified apology, which Mr. Wood eventually \ gave.

MR. SPEAKER GIVES MOTION ITS QUIETUS. Received 20, 9.55 p.m. Sydney, February 20. In tke Assembly, when Mr. Wade was about to propose the no-confidence motion, Mr. Speaker Willis ruled it could not be put' in its present twofold form, as it contained censure on the Speaker. No Government could be rensured for any action on the part of its Speaker. He suggested the motion should be altered to read that "the action of the Government in dismissing Mr. Robinson is deserving of censure." Mr. Wade disclaimed any intention of reflecting on the Speaker. The motion was aimed directly at the Government.

After a warm debate, the Opposition indignantly protesting, Mr. Speaker Willis declared the motion must stand in the form he suggested. Mr. Wade interjected: "There is no motion in my name of that kind." He insisted on moving it in its original form. Mr. Speaker Willis thereupon declared the motion lapsed. HORSE RACING EST N.S.W. Received 21, 12.30 a.m. • Sydney, February 20. After the Speaker declared the censure debate had lapsed, the House proceeded to business, and appoint a select committer to enquire into the operations of the Australian Jockey Club and its relations to horse racing in New South Wales.