A HEATED DEBATE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10258, 9 June 1911, Page 7

A HEATED DEBATE.

IN THE NEW SOUTH WALES

ASSEMBLY

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

(Received June 8, 9.10 a.m.)

SYDNEY, June 8

A heated debate took place in the Assembly on the motion for the adjournment, moved by Mr Wade, for the purpose of discussing the Government's proposal to dispossess the Governor-General of Government House. Mr Wade contended that a definite arrangement had been made under which, when the Federal Parliament was not sitting, the Governor-General should reside in Sydney. He held that only the strongest reasons could justify them in breaking that agreement. If they did so the Commonwealth would be under no obligation to make any fresh provision for the Governor-Gen-eral in Sydney, and that to all intents and purposes meant shutting the Gov-ernor-General out of the State in his official capacity, and playing inte the hands of those determined to kee- tfie seat of Government in Melboui :ie. The step now proposed to be taken by the Government not only constituted a breach o<" faith with the Commonwealth, but also with the Imperial authorities. Other members strongly suppn'W Mr Wade's contentions.

Mr Holman, Attorney-General, m reply, said the running of Government House cost the State £7500 annually, while the Governor-General resided there only for a short time each year. He disclaimed the alleged responsibility of the State Government for the provision of a resicence for the Gov-ernor-General. That was the Commonwealth's duty. The time had arrived when the State assets should be used for State purposes. The State Government had made up its mind op the matter, and had no intention of going back. The motion for the adjournment >vas negatived. Mr Hughes, Commonwealth Attor-ney-General, in an interview declared that unless it were possible to bouse the Governor-General suitably in Sydney, he could not go there.