Thus far Mr. Peake does not appear to be greatly opposed to a 20 or 25 years' limitation to the agreement, though naturally he prefers that the agreement should go into the Constitution just as it stands. It is beleived, however, that the South Australian Premier has a plan of his own for the solution of the difficulties of the Federal Fusion party. - Melbourne AGE.
He regarded the issue as beyond party politics, so it mattered not what party such candidate belonged to, he (Mr. Kidston) would do what he could to secure his defeat. He believed the original agreement, if adopted, would give financial security to Australia. - Melbourne AGE.

Peake? . . . Peake? . . . Who is this person Peake?
What is this man that he should seek
To raise his unimportant squeak
Anent that legislative freak,
            The Fuse?
Why does he chase it to its lair
And strive to stroke the creature's hair?
What is this person doing there?
And why in thunder should he air
            His views?


His views on Fed'ral politics -
What warrant has this man to mix
In this affair and shy loose bricks
At Commonwealth concerns?  Such tricks
            Are cheek.
Cool cheek!  If he support or not
This thing or that or all the lot
Who hears or heeds or cares a jot?
What standing has this person got?
            Who's Peake?


This Kidston of the wagging chin -
Who's he?  Why this unseemly din
Of his!  Who knows, or cares a pin
For all his weird complaining in
            Our midst, on
Concerns that one might well suppose
Are far beyond him?  Yet he goes
Clean fanti; vowing he'll oppose
This man or that.  Who minds?  Who knows?
            Who's Kidston?


Bill Brown - what has he got to say?
John Jones, Jim Johnson - where are they?
And Black, and Green, and White and Grey?
Why don't they rise and yell away?
            Stand out!
Stand out, ye honest folk, and speak.
Ye have the right - as much as Peake.
Like Kidston, you've the right to seek,
To interfere.  Rise up and squeak
            And shout.


Throw out your chests the same as they,
And let us hear about your way
To scotch the Fuse and end the fray.
Let all electors have a say.
            'Twere well.
We're sick of hearing Peakes and all
The Wades and Kidstons shriek and squall,
The Moores and Murrays yell and bawl;
Come Smiths and Browns and shout and call
            Like Hell.


But where - O pardon this lament -
Where is Australia's parliament?
Where are those stern, strong men we sent
Into the House to represent
            Our views?
Alas! their talents they employ,
To pacify small fry whose joy
Is e'er to pester and annoy,
And even threaten to destroy 
            The Fuse.


Alas! they have nor strength nor will
To bid the barking pack be still,
But tremble for their seats until
They daren't resent the howling shrill,
            Nor flout
The yelping of each small State pup.
Our brave, strong men are forced to sup
Small beer from out a humble cup,
For lo! our "statesmen" all are up
            The spout.

"Den"
The Bulletin, 11 November 1909, p18