CRITICISING A GOVERNOR.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1725, 16 April 1913, Page 4

CRITICISING A GOVERNOR.

ANGRY LABOUR MINISTER. An innocent and humane sentiment, expressed by the Govornor (Sir John Fuller) at tho University commencement ceremony on Saturday (remarks tho "Argus" of April 8), has been construed by tho Minister lor External Affairs (Mr. Thomas) into a. gratuitous interference with Federal affairs. The remarks to which objection has been taken by Mr. Thomas were as follows:— "Dr. Mawson's expedition has been an Australian scientific mission, nnd, in my opinion—if lam entitled to express ono— (laughter)—it, is tho business of the Commonwealth Ministry lo seo that a pro-perly-equipped rescuo. party is sent to bring Mawson aiul his companions home' befnro the next winter closes." Commenting on tho Governor's speech yesterday, Mr. Thomas assumed the role of advisor to his Excellency, and rebuked him in tho following terms:— "I am hopeful that his Excellency tho Governor of Victoria has been lnisreportcd. As far as i remember, or recollect, this 'is tho first time since Federation when a State Governor has been good enough to say what, in his opinion, the Federal Ministry ought to do, One cannot, of course, enter into a controversy on any statement made by anyone occupying the position of n Governor. . I may, however, say that in his Excellency tho Governor-General wo lmvo a gentleman who, I feel sure, is quite competent and able, along constitutional lines, to adviso his Ministry as to what they ought to do or leave undone, and I. feel confident that it would only lead to friction and unpleasantness should Stato Governors at public meetings give advice to n Federal Ministry. Public advice to their own Ministry would result in their being called lo task."