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Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1930, Page 4

There is a- rift within the domestic circle of the Australian Labour party. Arising -out off the coal crisis, the Federal Government has not moved fast enough for the many extremists who have found a place in the Labour party, and the unsatisfied ones are not slow to speak their mind. The Prime Minister, Mr Scullin, has had a difficult position to fill. He has not pleased the Labour adherents, and he h.,s been bold enough to stick to one set course, and that was not to attempt anything unconstitutional. His attitude and policy seems to have impressed and influenced Mr Theodore, who has not lived up to his reputation for militancy. He has surprised even his own supporters to such an extent that there is talk of ejecting him from the Labour party. In other words, there are those who would declare him “black,” which is the last word in ostrasation. Nor is the opposition to the policy of the Federal Government confined only to his disappointed coal miners. The Labour Daily is also on the- attack against the Prime Minister, and thinks because Mr Scullin holds the supreme position, lie may do anything! But Mr Scullin, sticking steadfastly to bis policy will do nothing to break the law. And it is the wisest course, both for the present and the future. A Government is bound by the law as much as the individual, and may not exceed its powers. Mr Theodore has been more outspoken than Mr Scullin. The former has said be is not going to submit to outside dictation, but in common with the Government will act on his own judgment. Certainly the judgment so far lias kept the Government largely in a negative position, but at least it did not jump to extremes and perforin many of the illegal acts the strikers and their spokesmen clamoured for. Mr Theodore has, however, broken away from the rule of the Labour caucus, that is the grava-

men of bis offence, and it is desired that be should be ejected from the party. At Home, Mr MacDonald had to give a very definite hint that the Government was not to be interfered with by the caucus, which is usually the power behind tho throne in matters of administration. Mr Theodore realises lie must follow a similar -example, and so repud.ates the right of the Laboui; caucus to dictate to the Government. On the whole such attitude will instil greater confidence in the Government, for one of the prime weaknesses of Labour administration is the practice of submitting to the caucus the policy and principles of the •administration.