There are, of course, many, with whom the wish is father to the thought, who declare that it is unthinkable that the Government. will be able to carry on to the end of August and then adjourn Parliament while the Prime Minister is attending the Imperial Conference. For the moment, at least, this appears to be the chief issue. Already opposition to the adjournment has manifested itself in political and Press quarters which might otherwise be considered friendly. The Opposition, of course, objects, but so also does. Mr. Watt,' the Speaker, whose word carries great weight in Victoria. Sir Neville House, a new member,. hag unexpectedly—and almost unnecessarily—stated that if the Government does not promptly fulfil its promises regarding the new capital he will withdraw - his support. Major-General Sir Neville House, v.c., K.O.B., K.0M.G., CB, etc, is a brilliant country doctor who came to the front as an organizer of Army Medical Services in both the South African and the late European wars. He is now dir-actor of the Army Medical Service of Australia, andi his entry into politics means a new and striking personality with which any Government must reckon. There is reason to think that the late Prime Minister marked him down for a Health portfolio.
At the antisessional meeting of Nationalists there were some noteworthy absentees, including Mr. Hughes, ex-Prime Minister, Sir Elliot Johnson, the ex-Speaker General Sir Granville Ryrie, ex-assistant Minister for Defence Mr. Marks, ex-secretary to the Hughes cabinet; Mr. H. E. Prat-ten (at one time named' for the leadership), and at least two others. The whole of these are New South Welshmen, and it is regarded as possible that they may form a group not altogether is led by a Victorian. The prefriendly to the Government which sent strength of parties in the Representatives gives the Gover ment a majority of 20, so that is obvious that a turn of eight or nine would place the Ministry in a parlous position. It is impossible to say more at present, as the House has only sat for three days, and during that time none of the possible malcontents on the Ministerial side have spoken. The Opposition is amusing itself by twitting the Prime Minister and saying that he dare not trust his colleagues to face Parliament in his absence. What is probably true is that Mr. Bruce himself is not at all sure of his ground, or of his Cabinet of inexperienced novices.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.