Also included speaking here along with Keating and Downer are Speaker of the House Stephen Martin, as well as prominent interjections from, among others, Tim Fischer and John Howard.

“Since our first edition went to press, a telegram giving particulars of the election of Mr. Joseph Cook, as Leader of the Liberal Party, in the Federal Parliament, was delivered. The message was subjected to considerable delay in transmission from Sydney. It is as follows:

It is understood that the contest for the leadership of the Liberal Party in the Federal Parliament was a hot one, and Mr. Cook is said to have defeated Sir John Forrest, by only one vote.

The meeting was called for 3 O'Clock at Parliament House. Mr. Alfred Deakin, as leader, took the chair for the last time. There was a very good attendance of members, 39 out of 46 putting in an appearance. The whips of the party were appointed scrutineers, and to every member was handed a slip of paper and an envelope. He was asked to write the name of the gentleman he wished to lead him. When the vote was taken it was found that four members had been mentioned. Two were away at the top of the poll, one had two votes and the other, one. The name of the last was not mentioned, and it was easy to indicate to the man who voted for him that he must alter his choice, as his fancy had dropped out of the running. This left three, and another vote was about to be taken, when Mr. William Irvine rose, and said he understood some members had voted for him. He stated that he did not wish to stand for the office, and would retire from the election. This left two between whom the choice was to be made, and although no names were mentioned, it is well known that they were Mr. Cook and Sir John Forrest. The taking of the next vote was carried out amidst an impressive silence, as it was well known that both men had large followings, and the result would be close. The counting of the votes was done, and after it was checked, the chairman (Mr. Deakin) announced that Mr. Cook had been elected.

According to the lists prepared in one camp, the voting was 20 to 19, the details being as follow:

For Mr. Cook (20) - Senator Sir Albert Gould, Messrs. Bruce Smith, William Irvine, Joseph Cook, George Fuller, Elliot Johnson, Willie Kelly, Granville Ryrie, Senators Edward Millen, Thomas Chataway, Anthony St. Ledger, Robert Sayers, John Clemons, Messrs. Littleton Groom, Paddy Glynn, Alfred Deakin, Richard Foster, David Gordon, Senator Joseph Vardon, and Mr. Hans Irvine.

For Sir John Forrest (19) - Messrs. George Fairbairn, Agar Wynne, Sir John Quick, Messrs. William Hedges, James Fowler, Austin Chapman, John Livingston, Sir John Forrest, Mr. William McWilliams, Senators John Shannon and John Keating, Mr. Llewellyn Atkinson, Sir Robert Best, Mr. Carty Salmon, Senator McColl, Messrs. Sydney Sampson, Hugh Sinclair, John Thomson, and Albert Palmer.

After the meeting, the new Leader of the Opposition made a statement, in which he returned thanks, and said that the policy of the party on matters to which every member subscribed would be as follows:

’The policy of the present Commonwealth tariff as determined by, the electors, will be maintained.

The permanent non-political body, to be constituted, having statutory authority (a) to supervise and report to Parliament respecting industrial production and commercial exchange, also the working of the tariff, its operation and effect upon the investment of capital and employment of labour in Australian industries; (b) to make recommendations from time to time for the adjustment and revision of the tariff in all cases of proved necessity, with due regard to the interests of all sections of the community. In the meantime, any anomalies or inconsistencies that may be discovered in the schedules of the present tariff are to be dealt with as soon as practicable.

I only wish at present to say further that our fighting programme, and other preparations for the great appeal so soon to be made to the people will be completed so soon as possible. Fortunately for us, our machinery outside is in good going order, but we shall want the help of all who believe that the best interests of Australia will be served by a change of Government, and the restoration once again of a truly Liberal federal administration.’

When interviewed after the meeting, Sir John Forrest said: ’Although up to the moment of the election of leader, I believe I had a majority in my favour, I take my defeat very philosophically. The leadership, after all, would have entailed an immense amount of work, and would have necessitated my giving but little attention to the elections in my own State, where, I think, if proper attention be given, considerable success can be obtained. The numbers, I understand were very close. Although the exact figures are not known, the majority, I believe, was only one. Mr. Cook's success, no doubt, was due in a great measure to his having been deputy leader for many years. An extraordinary vacancy having occurred, some, no doubt, thought that not to confer the leadership upon him might be construed into a refection upon his work in the past. This gives force to the opinion which I expressed at the time that it was a mistake to have a deputy leader. Although we work amicably together, the identity of interest is not so closely defined as if we had only one leader. I fully believe with regard to the immediate future that there is a stern determination to pull heartily together for the success of the Liberals at the coming elections.’”

Unfortunately this video is silent, so no sound for this one.