FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1931, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

BITTERNESS TOWARDS THEODORE. (Australian Press Association.) CANBERRA, March 3. The Opposition in the Federal House of Representatives made a hostile demonstration against the Federal Treasurer. Hon. E. G. Theodore, while the Prime Minister, Mr .Scullin. was announcing the names of the leeonstructed Ministry. Immediately Vlr Theodore's name was called, a i corns ol Opposition voices shouted “.Shame!” Pandemonium prevailed. VI r Bayley was compelled to apologise in order to avoid Id- removal from the House. Later Vlr 'I lieodorc gave notice* of his intention to introduce the Fiduciary Currency Bill. The Opposition again shouted “Shame I” They endeavoured to prevent Vlr Theodore from speaking. Thereupon, the Prime Minister, Mr Scullin, appealed to the Opposition to record their protest in an orthodox manner. Hon. F. Forde. Vlinister of Customs, announced the Government’s intention to remove the duty on sheepskins, and also to refund all the duty paid. Vir Latham, Leader of the Opposition, gave notice of his intention to move “That the Government no longer posseses the confidence of the House.” The Prime. Minister then secured an adjournment until the following day.

LYONS’ DETERMINATION. SYDNEY, March 5, Mr Lyons, ex-Ministor, interviewed, said tliat he expected four members of the Labour Party to vote against the Scullin Government on the no-confi-dence motion. He would take an opportunity of making his own position clear. It is expected that Vlr Lyons will announce his secession from the Labour ran ks. A NEW ATTITUDE. CANBERRA. March 3. The fact that 80 per cent, of the adult wage earners of Australia do not pay Federal income tax, and that ‘304,7G6 taxpayers out of three and n-hnlf million electors have to carry more than their share of the national burden is the subject of pointed comment by the Commonwealth AuditorGeneral, Vlr Comity, whose annual report was presented to Parliament today. Mr Comity attributes tin’s anomalous character to the wide and unjustifiable character of the exemptions exercised in favour of wage earners with families of four or five children and others. He urges the thorough revision of the pensions, and declares that the cost of the old age, invalid, and war pensions, namely, twenty millions annually, absorbs one third of the Commonwealth revenue,

Mr Cerruty says the war pensions are on a wholly unjustifiable scale. Hundreds who are suffering no physical disability are drawing these pensions as well as their ordinary pay. “Old ago and invalid pensions,” he says, “are being paid to two-fifths of our women over sixty years and of our men over 75 years, irrespective of whether they have led dissolute lawless lives; and thus the thrifty are called upon to contribute by taxation to people who often are unworthy of assistance.

FFDFRAL PARLIAMENT. A NO CONFIDENCE MOTION. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 6. The Federal Ministry is in grave danger of defeat on the no-confidence motion, especially if a division is taken to-morrow. The Government whip, Vlr F. C. Riley, telegraphed from Canberra to Labourites to be in their places when Vlr Latham launches his no-confidence at IJ. o’clock to-morrow. New South Wales Labour Executive has instructed its Federal members to defy the summons in order to see East Sydney bye-election through.

RIFT WIDENING. BETWEEN STATE AND LABOUR AUTHORITIES. (Received 10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, .March 6. The rift between State and Federal Labour authorities has widened. Mr Scullin ordered three New South Wales members, assisting in the East Sydney campaign to hurry to Canberra for the censure motion to-day and the State A.L.P. ordered Mr Long M.H.R. to leave the censure debate and take his place in East Sydney platforms. Each command so far has been defied. FEDER AL FINANCES. SYDNEY. March 6. in a report on the finances for the year ended June 1930. the Commonwealth Auditor General, Mr Cerutty. estimates the Federal deficit at £lO.000,000 for the year ending June 30 next. in addition the accumulated deficiency of ,€6.458,000 was shown in the Treasurer’s accounts at June 30. 1930. He says the balancing oT the Budget this financial year is clearly not practicable. Progress in that direction may, however, be made bv saving in expenditure and additional taxation, which in the circumstances cannot be avoided however unpalatable it may be.

CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTERS. CAN HER RA. March 0. Askf'il for ii statement. Mr McGrath said •‘/I intend to do nothing about tbo matter. I am Chairman of Committees and intend to remain so." Tin 1 view is taken bv Mr McGrath and his sunnorlers, that the Chairmanship of Committees is a position which must he decided by the House. A SENATOR’S VI EM'. HOBART. March 0. Senator .T. Hayes, on arrival at Canberra, said there would be no issue of fiduciary notes without an election. The Senate would certainly not agree to the issue.