FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1931, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

MR THEODORE’S POSITION

(Australian Press Association.)

(Received 11.40 a.m.) SYDNEY, Alarcli 17

Mr Theodore denies that 1 iis visit to Brisbane is concerned with the seaicli for a Federal State Labour organisation opposing his endorsement for Da lie v.

The Treasurer, while saying he is not seeking a Queensland seat, de-lined to discuss future plans. He declared the State party had no power to expel him from the Labour movement.

IF MR LANG APPEALS. NOT LIKELY TO SUCCEED. (Received this day at noon.) LONDON, March 16. The opinion is expressed here that if Mr Lang takes the Upper House case to the Privy Council, ho is unlikely to succeed. ■ According to clip authority, the Council is very reluctant to interfere wit.li any High Court judgment on constitution a! questions, Lt is considered if this position is taken in regard to the Commonwealth Constitution, it will be even more improbable that any appeal from a decision concerning one State is likely to impress the Privy Council. CANBERRA, March 17. The Nationalist Party took a sudden decision this morning that their leader, Air Latham, should move for the adjournment of the House this afternoon so as to test the Government’s position. This decision threw the Government’s forces into excited activity. Five of the Victorian Labour members had not arrived by the morning train, amd others were also absent. The Government only had twenty-six assured votes.

Arrangements were made for an aeroplane to bring the Labour members from Melbourne in time to participate in the division. There was a hurried consultation between Air Scullin and Air Latham just prior to the Labour Caucus meeting. This is regarded as being very significant. ATr Latham, Ah' Gullett and Air Lyons also conferred earlier. The Government’s uncertainty has been increased by a lack of any indication of the Beasley group’s attitude. It is believed that they may abstain from vothlgs The Federal House met at three o’clock this nfterhdon. If adjourned for an hour tn respect for the Memory of (Senator Chapman. CANBERRA. March 17. When the Fedora! House resumed to. day, Mr Latham (Nationalist Leader), amidst considerable noise from the Government side, moved the adjournment of the House. The Leader of the Opposition said that his motion was to allow the House to discuss the publication <n certain enfidential. cables. Mr Latham was twice obliged to withdraw remarks which lie directed at Air Crouch, a Victorian Labour member. who had frequently interjected, The Prime Afinister, Air Scullin, rose to reply at. 4.45 o’clock, and he talked the motion out. According to the Standing Orders the vote had to be taken by five o’clock. Late in the afternoon the Beasley group decided that if it came to a vote, they must again save the Government. Air E. Alalonev, Air Jones and Air F Anstey left Alelbourne early in the afternoon by plane for Canberra. Air Lewis flew to Alelbourne from Geelong, but he missed the Canberra plane by minutes.

AIR SCULL IN’S REPLY

(Received 10.10 asm.) CANBERRA, Alarch 18

Replying to Mr Latham’s motion for the adjournment. Mr Scull in described the publication of confidential cables upon which the Opposition based its criticism of his financial policy and recent judical appointments, as flftf result of vile treachery. Those who used information surreptitously obtained, were in the position of one whose hands must be dirtied if they used dirty tools. He would not produce the cables but intended to maintain the tradition of inviolability regarding such communications. He had not somersaulted, as bad been alleged' in bis attitude on inflation. Everything bo said in that connection in the cables. lie had repeated since lie bud returned to Australia.

LA 150 Ull DECISION. SYDNEY, March IS. The Metropolitan Labour Conference rejected every proposal submitted for relief of unemployment. A recommendation for socialisation of all industries was defeated by 01 to o 7 votes. The decision is regarded as a vote of confidence in the Lang Government wherewith the problem is left for the present. MR LANG’S MILLION. SYDNEY, A larch IP. Air Lang announces a million pounds will be ndvaned from the relief hind, enabling thousand men to be absorbed in public works.