FEDERAL POLLS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21246, 17 October 1940, Page 9

FEDERAL POLLS

ABORTIVE CONFERENCE MINISTER TO RESIGN COUNTRY PARTY SPLIT (United Press Assn.—inec. Tex. CopyrlgHt) CANBERRA, Oct. 16 The conference of all parties which was held this afternoon to discuss the question of a National Government was adjourned until next Tuesday without reaching any decision, leaving the future form of the Australian Government still obscure. The Government parties at the conference were represented by the Prime Minister. Mr Menzies, the Attorney-General, Mr W. M. Hughes, the Treasurer, Mr P. C. Spender, the Minister for Air, Mr A. W. Fadden, the Minister of External Affairs, Mr J. McEwan, and Sir Earle Page. Official Labour was represented by Mr J. Curtin, Mr F. M. Forde and Dr. H. V. Evatt; Non-Communist Labour by Mr J. A. Beasley. Mr J. S. Rosevear and Mr D. Mulcahy. One Independent, Mr A. W. Colves, was also present. It was announced later today that the Minister for the Navy and Minister of Commerce, Mr A. G. Cameron, former leader of the Country Party, has offered his resignation to the Prime Minister. His friends expect he will join the United Australia Party. He is reported to have stated: “ I will not be a barnacle on the ship's rudder, like the Independents.” Mr Cameron declined to comment on the split in the Country Party over the question of leadership, which has so far not been solved. Fruitless Ballot At a further meeting of the Country Party a second ballot to decide the leadership ended the same way, eight all, after which the deputyleader, Mr A. W. Fadden, who is Minister of Air, was asked to lead the party until the deadlock is overcome. War Situation Reviewed The Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, this morning addressed a meeting of members of all parties in the House of Representatives behind locked doors, after which he issued a statement setting out that he had reviewed the war situation and war policy with particular relation to Britain, the Middle East and the Far East. Members had freely questioned hin\ and the desire was expressed that a similar meeting to discuss Australia’s protective measures should bo held. This meeting will be held next Tuesday.