GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1931, Page 5

GOVERNOR-GENERAL

QUESTION OF APPOINTMENT. I (Australian Press Association) MELBOURNE, Jan. 10. “ If the terms of the appointment of Sir Isaac Isaacs, as Governor-General j —as issued by Australia House—and published in the “ Times,” are correct, the appointment is invalid. Further- , more, any legislation assented to by him will not he valid.” t This was the opinion given to-day I by Sir Edward Mitchell. K.C., and Mr Fullager to the Council of Combined j Empire Societies. ] Counsel advised that the appointment would be contrary to the constitution because the power conferred upon the King must be exercised constitutionally, that is, upon the advice of appropriate responsible Ministers; who, counsel state, are the British • Ministers. The Acting-Attorney General. Sen- : ator Daly, said lie was not prepared to ; admit the assumption that the King, the British Government, and the Prime Minister had blundered into such an error as the opinion suggested. LONDON, Jan. 9. Though official comment is withheld, the Australian Press Association understands that Dominion Office, circles do not accept Sit E. Mitchell's contention thill Sir I. Isaacs’ appointment is invalid. Even admitting the 'assumption that the British Cabinet was nob consulted, it is pointed out that the 1920 Imperial Conference dissociated the Governor-General from presentation by the British Cabinet. (Received 10.10 a.m.) MELBOURNE. January 12. Doubts exist among Federal Ministers as to the legality of the appointment of Sir Isaac Isaacs as Governor General, and the swearing-in ceremony arranged for 22nd January may be postponed. Mr Scullin, the Acting AttorneyGeneral Mr Daly, and Sir I. Isaacs had a conference at Melbourne but no announcement was made.