On Friday week a Session of surprises in the Parliament
of the Australian Commonwealth culminated in the announce- ment by Mr. Fisher in the House of Representatives that the Labour Members withdrew their support from Mr. Deakin. The nominal cause of their revolt was that Mr, Deakin's new Protectionist programme does not go far enough. This reason was in itself a surprise, as the programme was generally considered to carry out the arrangements made at the Brisbane Conference, in which the Labour Members took part. Probably the labour troubles at Broken Hill had more to do with Mr. Fisher's announcement, as the delicate question whether troops should be used against riotous strikers loomed ahead. From the moment the decision of the Labour Members was taken, it was inevitable that Mr. Deakin must resign or be defeated. On Tuesday he challenged the House to a vote of confidence, and was beaten by 49 votes to 13. Mr. Fisher has since formed a Cabinet.
Previous page
