FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1931, Page 4

FEDERAL POLITICS

NEW STATE IN NEW SOUTH WALES. (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, March 3. Dr Earle Page, Leader of the Country Party in the Federal House, and Leader of the Norttien* Secession Movement, arrived at Sydney to-dav, and he said that a petition asking, tor the creation of a new State would b e ready for presentation to the Fed-gal Parliament within six weeks. MR LANG DETERMINED. SYDNEY", March 3. In the New South Wales Legislative . Assembly, several of the Labour members asked questions about the new State movement. Mr Hefferon asked the Premier, Mr Lang, whether steps would be taken to stop persons preaching . sedition and openly advocating the removal of tlio Government by force. The Premier, replying, generally* described the new State movement as being press propaganda of a pernicious type. If the privileges of the press were abused, the Government would a CL. The Government also would maintain law and order.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. WILL HELP NEW SOUTH WALESSYDNEY, March 3. The Federal Government has signified its willingness to assist the New South Wales Government to place the control iof .the coal mines under a board. Mr J. H. Scmllin has assented to the necessary legislation being introduced, as referred to in yesteidaj n messages. ANOTHER LOAN PAID OFF. LONDON, March 2. The Federal Government has repaid £5,000,090 worth of Treasury Bills. UNPOPULAR DUTY TO GO CANBERRA, March 3. Tlie Federal Labour Caucus i€com~ mends the Ministry to remove the export duty of a halfpenny per lb on sheepskins in wool, which has operated since December lTtli, and concerning which a bitter controversy led to the complete dislocation of the industry. The Government will act immediately. It will also refund all of the amounts paid in duty.