The Guardian And Evening Star, with which in incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930. AN INTRIGUING POSITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which in incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1930. AN INTRIGUING POSITION.

Politics generally in Australia are in tin intriguing position. Tnere is much secrecy about, possible developments, while there is openly and publicly not a little divergence of opinion among the leaders. The result of the New South Wales elections hap encouraged the militant members of the Labour Party in Federal politics to revolt to some extent and to carry their opposition to the point almost of party disruption. It was fortunate indeed that the modern invention of the telephone lias been brought to such perfection so that Mr Scmlin in London has been able to keep in direct verbal touch with his dep ityleader. But for that convenience it is possible Mr .Scullin would be burtying back to endeavour to control hip team. As it is, Mb Voice being heard in Australia, lib hits been able to. direct affairs, littd as far as can be gleaned, has been able to secure the acceptance of the Fenton-Lyons policy in lieu of that of the caucus moulded' by the militant members. The radical wing of the caucus was led by Messrs Beasley, Ansty and Theodore, and proposed to throw economies to the wind, and to leave the budget to take care of itself. This was a negation of all that Mr Scull in had undertaken to do and its adoption meant dishonouring the definite promise of the Federal Prime Minister. On the other hand, Messrs Fenton and Lyons, who refused in the first instance to take any part in the New South Wales elections because Mr Lang’s Labour policy was a direct contradiction of Mr Scullin’s aim, came in for abuse from the Labour party, and their efforts to economise to the extent of some three millions annually were about to be negatived. The latest news indicates that Messrs Fenton and Lyons are to have their way and Mr Scullin is continuing at Home in the effort to secure more borrowed money to tide over the very present loan redemption falling due next month. In this crisis the Manager of the Commonwealth Bank lias stood firm to the compact with Mr Scullin. A more pliant manager might easily have been won over by the militant forces’ .bluff, and promised additional credit .to enable the party to continue its reckless ekpefidU iiiikJj bilt a firm official lifts put 1 civil Ills foot, and any ravaging has be-in prevented. It is clear that tt considerable section of Labour favours an advanced banking policy whereby they tako what they want, irrespective of the economies of the situation. Probably Mr Lang has designs along such lines, for he has been prodigal in promises which cannot be carried out unless .with unlimited money. Mi Lang is complaining already of an empty treasury, which may however be a move to justify delay in maturing hit? policy, though in the progress of the election campaign the public were told by responsible public men that there was not any hope of Mr Lang carrying out his professions because of the lack of funds. Mr Lang will soon have to shape his policy. He is showing signs of undoing some of the economies of the late Government, which means more extravagances. li. as he alleges, there are millions *-f a deficit, there is not any justification on his part to increase expenditure as his latest action proposes, but he has to do something to indicate the realisation of his platform promises. Certainly Mr Lang has a clear mandate to go ahead with his policy it liecan find the money to do so. In a very clear cut issue he has been given a majority of twenty in a Parliament of ninety members, but as a responsible admnistrator lie must still be governed by the local position. That is undoubtedy one of great stringency, and little prospect of trade mending or prosperity arriving. The sitmuiui calls for statesmanship of a sacrificing character, and that is rather foieigri to the pre-election policy Mr L.'.ug announced.

ing what they were, and there is in eagerness manifested by the BrJiuli representatives at the Imperial 'Conference to help improve the ’’situa tion. Mr Forces has been definWe in bis remarks at the Conference, 1 iit from all accounts will come away empty-handed as regards an improved market. New Zealand, However, prides itself on her patriotism, and il the relief desired does not come aI. once, there will be hope surely in in * future. Preference, as has been asked for, and which New Zealand has granted generously in advance without any pressure, is a great political islKue at Home. A general election will probably be necessary to e 1 jar the air, and give the politicians a better vision of what may be considered best for the Empire at largj. Until that event transpires, there wiii be a period in which to mark nine and await results, but the trend of public opinion appears to lie towards some degree of preference. Britain is bound, too, by the tariff truce iih certain nations, but her interests in that respect are but fractional, and a definite policy by an Empire party would seek to be freed from such a tie as soon as possible. Meantime, the advice of the Governor-Genera! to buy within the Empire what cannot lie bought within our own Dominion >-• the best policy to pursue. Thereby, the individual is doing wlutt the nation should do and the cultivation -ff trade Within the Empire Is the Rest aid to its future general prosperity, and what helps the Empire will be reflected throughout the Dominion.