FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1931, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

SCULLIN'B TUB EAT. (Australian Press Association.) CANBEBBA, March 18. The fact that the Lang Government is £220,876 in arrears in the payment of interest due to the Commonwealth was disclosed by Mr Scullin, Prime Minister, in the House of Representntives. In stating that this amount was overdue Mr Scullin announced that the Commonwealth Government were now considering the matter with a view to taking appropriate action to ensure that the Commonwealth law and the Constitution were upheld. A LABOUR ARMY. A CONFERENCE MOVE. (Received thv» dav at 1 0 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 19. Tlie Australian Labour Party Metropolitan Conference has decided to form an Australian Labour Army, to “oppose the seditious forces that are being marshalled against constitutional Government.” Propaganda, accord in a to the Labour “Daily” is to be broadcast in New South Wales to counteract the new State movement. All For Australia League, and similar bodies. A huge army will be enlisted to uphold and maintain the ideals and conditions of Labour and defend democratic aspirations of the Australian people. While its object will be to maintain peace, this army would, if necessary, take appropriate action in the event of the Government being threatened by force and “fight if necessary.”

A State wide campaign is being commenced on 29th March to warn the people of menace which the recently formed organisations have become to the pence of the community. Tt was announced that any Labrnr member partieipiVing in the activities of these bodies will he regarded as an longer within the Labour P<ut\. The Assembly carried Dm Interest Beduction Bill' second ,-ending by oft votes ito 26. The Bill goes to the committee stage to-dav.

STATE MTNTSTBY DECISION. ADELAIDE. March 19

The State Ministry decided to oo”vene n conference of Premiers and Treasurers, owing to the inaction of the Federal Parliament, which is engaged in futile strife, while the States are struggling with finance foi need' farmers. , Mr Hill comments that if the federal Cabinet will not. another course must be found by those States desiring to straighten their financial position, and. do something for the unemployed and man on the land. They must get together to evolve a scheme fot resuscitating languishing industries and businesses.