SECESSION.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20171, 25 February 1931, Page 15

SECESSION.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

MOVES.

TIRED OP FEDERATION

CTBOU OUB OWK COBRBBPOHDEHT.)

SYDNEY, February 19.

Recant developments in Fedfcral politics have given stimulus to tne campaign in Western Australia for secession from the Commonwealth. Western Australia has always complained that it suffered more than r.ny other State as a result of Federation, and the idea is growing that it would prosper if it were a State unto itself once again. How this could bo brought about is a problem, but it is with the idea of solving that problem that the Dominion League came into being in the State. Already the league has accomplished much in the moulding of public opinion, as iB shown by the fact that nearly all the leading . politicians of the State, and many prominent business men wno have nothing to do with politics, openly advocate secession. Tne aim of the Dominion League is to arrange for a referendum so that the feeling of the people as a whole will be impressed upon the rest of Australia. Then, if secession is not possible, it is thought that Western Australia would be in a much better position to bargain. The people of' Western Australia have always been careful to explain that secession does not mean cutting adrift from the Etnpfre. What is sought is the status of a Dominion within the Empire, similar to New Zealand. It iff claimed that Western Australia has nothing in commoii with the Eastern States, has received no favours ifrom them, and hopes for none. Western Australians have always been opposed- to the high tariff wall that has been erected around Australia, and, in fact, it was this that really started the secession movement. Purpose of Movement. The secretary of the Dominion League recently gave the following explanation of tne aims of the League: "The secession move is not directed against the people of the Eastern States, but against the Federal Parliament, and it appears that most of the other States are beginning to realise the futility of Federation. Often we have been asked. Could we finance secession? Undoubtedly we could. Federal taxes, excise, Customs duty, antf excess.charges on Eastern States' imports cost Western Australia £6,600,000 a year, while under secession, even if we maintained' the present departmental staffs,' which would then, be largely duplicated, and allowed for interest and sinking fund on the State 'portion of the war debt, an annual saving of £2,861,000 would be effected. Secession means a release from the_ chains, of , that i 12,000,000 monument of legislative incompetence. It means one Parliament only for us and fewer politicians, and less cost to the people of Western Australia. We believe that secession will attract English and Australian -capital to develop our vast resources and promote, our industries. No one in the Eastern States will want to preventi us obtaining secession, and we Would not seek it if we could otherwise overcome our ! disabilities; but we 1 cannot." •