AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 February 1917, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

A DISTURBING FACTOft. By Cable.—Press Association.— Copyright Received Feb. 21, 6.40 p.m. Melbourne, Feb. 2L It is freely stated that the libenll are not a happy family over the Ministerial fusion, strong section opposed the coalition, and were annoyed at being beaten thereon. Ai/jther disturbing factor is the selection of Sir William li* vino to accompany Mr Hugheß to th» Imperial Conference, whcifc Mr Hugles • officially announced he would have Bimi« lar status to other representatives. gi» William Irvine won disfavor and sacrificed his chance of inclusion in the Min« istry by openly stating that he was still in favor of conscription, advocating a second referendum. Some Liberals, whose constituents gave a strong anti' conscription vote, urge that his recognition by the party was likely to cos< them a good deal of votes in the forth* feming election. There is much specula* tion as to the duration of Parliament. is the Ministry lias decided that then must he no pandering to the Oppose tion, it is considered probable that ij - the event of the Senate obstructing 2a* gislation the Government will make an early appeal to electors. Received Feb. 21, fi.46 pjn. Sydney, Feb. 2L Mr John Storey has been elected to succeed Mr Diirack in the leadership o( < the State Labor Barty. Melbourne, Feb. 21, Mr Hughes has announced definitely , that Sir J. Forrest accompanies him to the Imperial Conference. It is anticipated that Mr Tudor wiH move a censure motion when the Housej meets.