WATTS’ RESIGNATION

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1920, Page 1

WATTS’ RESIGNATION

MR WATT’S REPLY. HUGHES KNEW ALL ABOUT IT. * A UHTH A 1.1 AN Sr N..Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received this day, at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 10. . Replying to press cableß from Melbourne, in which Hon. W. M. Hughes (Federal Prime Minister) denies knowledge of Hon. Mr Watts’ resignation, the latter informs the Australian Press Association that Mr Hughes knows ail the circumstances of the resignation. “Frequent cables, passed between its during the last fortnight,” said Mr Watts. Mr Hughes received the cabled resignation on the 24th, before it was announced to the press. Mr Watt, questioned regarding the disagreement regarding the wool scheme, informed The Australian Press Association that there is a lot more behind than the wool business. Matters have been approaching a crisis for a fortnight past. Mr Watt added that lie would not say another word. He was leaving his hotel to-day, and disappearing into a void, leaving no address. He was taking a long holiday, which he much needs. The “ Financial News,” in a leader entitled “‘Watts’ it mean,’ ” says the resignation liiay create an awkward position. It leaves the> financial negotiations in the air, whatever may be the result of his action on his sympathetic colleagues in the Hughes Cabinet. This is a pity, because the negotiations were of first importance. Possibly some statement as to the exact nature of the strain between Mr Hughes and Mr Watt may shortly be made.

MR WATT’S RESIGNATION. ' MELBOURNE, June 10. In view of Mr Watt’s resignation, the opinion is now current in political circles that a general Federal election will bo held shortly. •• ■ It is now announced that Mr M atts resignation was due to a difference with Mr Hughes as to the extent of their executive powers, both claiming a free hand which the Cabinet was not, prepared to concede. ■% HON. HUGHES ATTITUDE. (Received this day at 8.40 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jnne 11. Hon Mr Hughes still preserves a sphinx-like attitude respecting'Hon Mr Watts’ resignation, and ho states that nothing is officially before him and lie is reserving bis comment until latei. Meanwhile 1m is rabbit-shooting at In Melbourne, Mr Watts’ dramatic resignation is regretted, but ie J blamed by his colleagues for precqnt-

a T?is suggested that Mr Watts sought the Cabinet’s acquiescence in a certa direction, intimating that ,he would vacate the treasuryslup uniess it forthcoming. Acquiescnce being refused, his resignation followed as .. matter of course. The actuating motives are largely speculative.