A PARTISAN GOVERNOR

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 209, 29 May 1920, Page 7

A PARTISAN GOVERNOR

THE QUEENSLAND APPOINTMENT PREMIER REPLIES TO DR. KEITH By Telegraph—Preea Association-Oopyrieht (Rec. May 28, 8 p.m.) London, May 27. Mr. E. G. Theodore, Queensland Premier, in an interview, expressed surprise that a great authority like Dr. Berriedale Keith s should allege that there was a breach of constitutional rules in connection with the appointment of a partisan as Acting-Governor, the swamping of the Upper House, and the fact that the Acting-Governor had not exercised the right of reserving a Bill'because it prejudiced the rights of Britisli subjects outsido the Slate. Mr. Theodore said: "If the Government acted unconstitutionally, the point may. easily be tested." He added: "Even Governors invariably held definite political opinions prior to their appointment, therefore they may all lie classed as political partisans, The appointment of new mem!»rs, even to the extent of swamping, has never been considered unconstitu t'ional. It has occurred in recent years in New South Wales and New Zealand." M>'- Theodore admitted that the referendum provided Queensland with ' a mean.-) of settling disputes, but said it involved great, delay and cxjiense. Ho does not regard Dr. Keith's suggestion to establish an Imperial arbitration tribunal as practicable, as it involves the reactionary principle of the limitation of Sovereign rights. "It will not Jind a solitary supporter in the Dominions," said Mr. Theodore. "N<ui-in ! erferonco is tlie safest doctrine."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assii.

OBJECTION TO DR. KEITH'S REMEDY

SIR GERALD STRICKLAND'S VIEWS,

(Rec. May 29, 0.5 a.m.)

" _ London, May 2S. Sir Gerald Strickland, late Governor of New South Wales, states: "Lord Milner cannot be expected to disallow' the acts of the Queensland Government, but Dr. Keith's remedy i s open to uravo objection. The Australian High Court is the proper authority to decide such subjects. It must be made pk\in to investors that appeals 011 local matters to the-distant Secretary of State are futile. The future success of. democratic government appears to require that every Executive should be liable to some control. My experience in Tasmania, Western Australia, and Now South Wales shows llint although Ministers dislike it, eleclors appreciate the exercise of impartial authority in their behalf. Governors should bo able to deter Ministers from flagrant breaches of constitution by forcing appeals to electors on rare occasions."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SIR ROBERT PJIILP'S MISSION TO LONDON. - , . London, May 27. Official circles are of opinion that there in little chance of Government interference in connection with Sir Robert I'hilp's mission; while city circles are apparently antagonistic to tlio financial requirements of Mr. E. C. Theodore (Premier of Queensland).—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. [A delegation from Queensland accompanied Sir Robert Plnlp to London to protest against the appointment of Mr. W. Lenuon'ai l.ieutsnhnt-Governor of Queensland, 011 the ground that he is a party man. They had arranged to place all the facts before tho Secretary of State for j;he Colonies (Lord Milnerj. it was reported that financial and land companies' in the city wero taking a keen interest in the mission, Mr. Lennon was formerly Minister of Agriculture in tho Ryan Cabinet.]