ABSTRACT
IN December 1908 Sir Thomas Carmichael, Governor of Victoria, granted a dissolution of the Legislative Assembly to the Premier, Sir Thomas Bent, who had been defeated by a majority of twelve on a direct vote of no confidence. The latter stated to the Governor that he
‘felt confident that in the event of a dissolution being granted the country would be found to side with the Government.
‘He said further that he believed that if asked to do so, either Mr. Prendergast, the Leader of the (Labour) Opposition, or Mr. Murray, the mover of the resolution on which the Government was beaten, would be willing, and probably able, to form a Ministry in the present House, but in neither of these cases could such a Ministry be permanent. He could not advise the Governor to ask either Mr. Prendergast or Mr. Murray to take office, but he did advise him to grant a dissolution, as desired by the Cabinet.’ 1
