FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1931, Page 6

FEDERAL POLITICS

NO CONFIDENCE DEBATE. (Australian Press Association.) CANBERRA, -March 11. In the Federal House of Representatives the debate on the no-confidence motion of Ml- Latham, Opposition Leader, is proceeding. The fate of the Government is in the hands of the Dang group of New South Wales members. If it is to live, it will be saved by the votes of six members of the Party who are utterly opposed to its policy.

Four other Labourites, Messrs Lyons Fenton, Guy and Gabb have decided to vote with the Opposition. The Prime Minister and Mr Theodore are very perturbed. Mr \Y. Hughes was th e chief speaker on the no-confidence motion. He employed the bitterest of invective. He declared that no Government had assumed office with greater prospects. After an experience of fifteen years in exile. Labour at length triumphed at the polls. It had a magnificent opportunity. It had thrown its opportunity to the winds. Its failure had been abject and complete. Mr Hughes continued: —“That the time was now ripe for a motion o'f this kind. That is what- a majority of the people are saying,” he said. ”1 shall say it also. It would appear that the Government has run the full length of its tether.” Hon. Mr Brennan, the AttorneyGeneral, interjected: “We finished von, at, any rate!” Mr Hughes. “Among your futile colleagues, you stand put as a monument of ineptitude.”

He continued: “Mr Scullin has claimed that his Ministers are triers. I hey have certainly tried the patience of the people to the fullest extent. This Government, has done what no previous Government has ever done. It lias split thi' Labour movement hopelessly. Instead of giving orders, it lias waiteu submissively for them. It has never been able to say it is the. master of its own house. I would have supported this Government so hmg sis it had a mind of its own, but is it impossible any longer to have confidence in it. What is wanted is leadership. I have looked in vain for it.” Hon Mr Blakely, Minister for Home Affairs, attacked Mr Hughes, lie said “No man has made more out of politics than he. The time then came when the National I’arty would tolerate Air Hughes no longer!” Mr .Martens: “They kicked him mil ami then iied a tin to his tail!”

•SENATE'S HOSTILITY. CANBERRA, March 11. The Federal Semite intends to challenge the Government's art ion m promulgating the new regulations under the Tarnsport Workers’ Act, alleging these are victimising loyal workers in the waterside industry, and thereby deliberately flouting the will of the Senate which had disallowed similar regulations hitherto. Sir Geo. Pearce intends to move that a copy of the amending regula lions he laid on the tables of both Houses in order that "Parliament may have tin opportunity of expressing jfs will. CANBERRA. March 12. Air Price, Secretary of the Parliamentary Labour Caucus announced he lias resigned, and intends to vote ngainst the Government. The debate is proceeding.