COMMONWEALTH GOVERNOR

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1930, Page 3

COMMONWEALTH GOVERNOR

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, April 29

There is a sharp controversy througnout Australia concerning the probability of an Australian being given. the appointment to the Commonwealth. Governor-Generalship. A large section of people have already expressed opposition to this innovation. The Prime Minister, Mr Scullin, declines to make any statement. He describes it as a delicate question. LONDON, April 29.

The “Morning Post’s” special correspondent says; “While Whitehall maintain a complete silence, it is pretty clear what has happened is that Mr J. H. Scullin wanted to have an Australian appointed as GovernorGeneral, and decided upon Sir Isaac Isaacs Chief Justice of- Australia) who is prepared to accept the office. The Australian Cabinet accepted his name, and then submitted it to Britain. In other words Sir Isaac Isaacs was recommended, but Mr Scullin may thereby have committed’ a breach of courtsey, if not of the constitution. It is the practice for His Majesty to submit names to the Dominion for consideration.”

The “Morning Past” continues:— “There may be no reason why an Australian born should not be the King’s representative, but it is for His Majesty to say who wil lbe. In such an eventuality His Majesty would want full assurances that the appointment would meet with practically unanimous approval. This definitely is not the case in the present situation. Returned soldiers’ organisateions opposed the idea, also other representative bodies. Moreover, Sir Isaac Isaacs is 75 years of age. Mr Scullin has waxed indignant that a leakage of information on tlie matter has occurred, but it was a fortunate accident, as public opinion has thus had an opportunity tq express itself on an issue of grave imperial importance.”