FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1931, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

N.S.W. REFUSAL.

TO PAY INTEREST

(Australian Press Association.)

CANBERRA, March 26

In the New South Wales Assembly, the Prime Minister, Mr Lang, stated that the Government were not meeting tile payments of interest, due on the State overseas loan on March 31. “If we meet this interest; lie said, “There will be much less money to provide for unemployment. All of the relief works would have to close, and all the food relief to stop. \\ e

| do not intend to do this.” THE UPPER HOUSE. SYDNEY, March 26. Correspondence between the New South Wales Governor, Sir P. Game, and Mr Lang, on the subject of appointments to the Legislative Council was tabled in the Assembly to-day by Mr Lang. In letters dated November 7th and November 13th last, .the Governor agrees to make appointments to the Council; but it would appear that there was a disagreement a« to the number, and the result was that no appointments Were made; The papers disclose that again on March 23rd, the Premier approached the Governor for additional appointments, but on this occasion, Sir Philip Game’s reply was a straight out refusal, he claiming the Legislative Council was entitled to refer the Arbitration'3ill to a Select Committee.

SAVED FROM DEFEAT

BY OPPOSITION SUPPORT

CANBERRA, March 26

Some Members of the Opposition saved the Government from defeat in committee in the House of Representatives, after the Beasley group had crossed the floor. There were scenes of wild excitement as the Prime Minister, Mr Scullin, moved the gag on a clause in the Fiduciary Notes Bill. The Lang faction crossed the floor immediately. The Government Whip then conferred with Mr Latham, the Leader of the Opposition, and Mr Latham motioned to Two of the Nationalists to join the Government benches.

A number of other Nationalists refrained from voting. The gag was carried by 34 votes to 25. ' Mr Latham later explained that he had arranged with the Government that the Opposition would agree to the Committee stages of the Bill being pushed through. Notfi issue Passes HoOSe. CANBERRA, March 20. The Fiduciary Note Bill \m been l-ead the third time in the federal House of Representatives, TARIFF SCHEDULE. (Received bE2O a.m.) CANBERRA, March 27. The tariff schedule introduced by the Scullin Government, tabled in the House contains sixty-two increases and thirty-six decreases. The chief increase is five per cent on cotton piece goods, expected to produce a quarter of a million per annum. A halfpenny per gallon is added to the duty on petrol in containers under forty gallons. The embargo on galvanised iron imports is lifted, and duties raised to 5\ on British preferential, and £7/10/- on general, equal to the former duty, plus the bounty. An increase of sixpence per pound on cotton yarns. It is claimed this part of the policy is to stabilise the industry in Queensland. The'tariff debate begins after Easter recess.

The Senate by 21 to 5 disallowed the new Transport Workers regulations, gazetted by the Government on Friday, after the Senate’s similar action on the first set.

N.S.W. REFUSAL.

MR LANG’S ANNOUNCEMENT

(Received 10.20 a.m.V 1 - LONDON, March 26. The evening newspapers feature Mr Lang’s announcement of New South Wales not paying the interest instalment. The effect on the Stock- Exchange is to further depress Australian securities. The Australian Press Association authoritatively informed all States that the impending loan obligations are definitely provided for except New South Wales, which was provisionally arranged for. MR LANGDECISION. CAUSES A SENSATION. CANBERRA. March 27. Mr Scullin’s announcement that Mr Lang had informed the Treasurer that New South Wales was not meeting its interest commitments totalling £729,251. payable in, London on Ist. April and £125,37 t payable- in New York on Ist. April, caused a sensation in the House. The Federal Government, is considering what notion to take, The Leader of the Opposition promised the fullest assistance. SEVERELY CRITICISED. SYDNEY, March 27. Mr Lang’s default was severely criticised in the Federal House by Messrs Fenton and Theodore and Nationalist

members,

Mr Bairn, speaking at Orange eondenined tlie • renders action as bringing New South Wales to shame. The Government was bankrupt in money, honesty and ideas. Ihe country was able to lift, itself above the difficulties if the Government out down expenditures and showed other countries that the people were willing to meet their obligations.