FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1931, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

“RETIRED IN DISORDER.” (Australian Press Association.) (Received this dav a* mum.) CANBERRA. Jan. 28. The “Sun’s" special representative says:--“The Federal Labour I’aHy ha s retired in disorder from Canberra, leaving the leader, who is a lonely pathetic figure, to survey the wreckage of the Theodore battle." The correspondent adds: “Air f-Yul-lill has lost all desire to remain in office. He no longer enjoys the Prime .Ministership. Imt he believes that, for the sake of Australian credit, he should remain in office. He is greatly troubled by (lie present .situation, )|r Scullin believes, however, that if lie had made Air Lyons Treasurer. he would have only intensified the breach within the Labour movement, and that both Air Lyons and himself would have been forced out of the Government. Afr Scullin, nevertheless, is of the opinion that the Labour Party, within a few week's will lie more solid than it has been at ally time within the past six months.

MR FENTON’S STATEMENT

(Received 9.80 n.m.l MELBOURNE, Jan. 28 Interviewed here, Air Fenton said that lie saw no escape from the attitude which ho had taken up. It had always been his opinion that Air Theodore. should not have re-entered the Cabinet until ljis name Had 'definitely been cleared. He added: “I have made up my mind. I shall atdU unco my decision on Monday to my <•; list itu cuts ; hut I hove no intention of deserting the Labour Party.”

WILL MR FENTON RESIGN?

(Received 8.49 a..in) AIFLBOCRNF. Jam 28

Hon. Air Lynns (Federal A’ nv ,r r) when interviewed here, gave no direct indication of his iM.-ml inns, but there is very good reason for saving that he intcvids to resign from the Federal Cabinet. Air Lyons declared: “ It is only Australia that counts with me. and when 1 make my decision it will he fiom that standpoint.”

THEODORE’S REAPPOINTMENT

ATTACKED IN PARKES campaign.

SYDNEY, January 28

The “Herald” says:—A strong move is being made in State Labour circles to have the appointment of Air E. G. Theodore reviewed at Canberra. However, Mr Scullin does not intend tb call another meeting of the Federal Caucus until the end ot February, by which time Air Theodore’s supporters believe the Treasury will have consolidated his position. 'The reinstatement of Air Theodore is being attacked by nationalist loaders in the Parke# bve-sleotion campaign.

*The leader of the State Opposition (M r Bavin) declared Air Theodore’s reappointment was a disgrace and brought discredit on Australia, Even on ’the score of ability, the appointment could not be approved. Mr I beodore’s record in Queensland was one of a colossal failure. The deputv lender of the Federal Opposition (Mr Gullett) said that Mr Scullin would he remembered for bis feebleness in the time of the crisis of Labour. Mr Latham reviewed the Government's record. “It is one of unfulfilled promises. We want action, not promises. I regard Air Theodore’s readmission to the Cabinet as a public shame and disgrace.” he said.