FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1931, Page 6

FEDERAL POLITICS

(Australian Press Association.) CANBERRA, April 16. In the. House of Representatives th c Wheat Advances Bill, thereunder six millions of fiduciary notes will be provided for necessitous farmers, was read a second time. The Country Party also the Lyons Party voted with the Government and Nationalists voted against, Mr Latham stating that the House well knew that fiduciary hills never get through the Senate. The debate in the Senate on the Fiduciary Note Issue Bill is now in progress. Senator Pearce challenged the Government to go to the country upon this measure. NO REMISSION OF INTEREST. CANBERRA, April 16. The half yearly payment of eight hundred thousand sterling, which the British Government has agreed to lorego for the next two years, allowing for the present rate of exchange, represents a saving to Australia of two millions a year for two years. The Prime Minister, Mr Scullin, announced that this arrangement had been made with the British Government. He also said he had cabled the British Government that he was hopeful that by 1963 the economic situation in Australia will be so greatly improved that the need for any further revision need not arise. Australia, said Mr Scullin, had sought both an extension of the period for payment and a reduction of the interest rate on the war debt, which is approximately eighty-two millions. Both those bad been rejected in favour of tho arrangement announced. (Times Cable.) LONDON. April 16. “The Times,” in a leading article, says: “The help for Australia can only be given at the expense of the British taxpayer, who has immense and everinrjrofasing burdens, ajnd the world’s highest taxation; but, even in the midst of our own pressing financial difficulties and perplexities, no British Government could watch the crisis in Australia without lively sympathy and a desire to give every possible help. Australia’s salvation must come from herself. It will he much quicker than now seems possible, as soon as public opinion succeeds in compelling the Commonwealth and all the State Governments to keep to the safe, if stony, paths of sane, straighforward finance.”

COMMENT IN COMMONS. LONDON, April 16. Tri the House of Commons. Mr Baldwin, following Bt. Hon. Mr Thomas making a war debt statement, expressed the opinion that the Government had shown consideration and generosity to Australia. No part of the House would cavil at it. Mr B. Bracken (Conservative) expressed the opinion that conditions should he attached to the agreement demanding tho fulfilment of the Niomeyer report. Tt was vitally important that the British taxpayer should know whether a, genuine effort was being made to carry out the Niemeyer recommendations. Mr Thomas replied that there were no conditions whatever. Tt would bo improper to make conditions to a selfgoverning Dominion. Tt was for the Australian Government to recognise, as he was sure they would do. their responsibility. He hoped there would bp no debate to destroy the value of the offer. The House adjourned .

COUNTRY PARTY. REFUSAL TO FOLLOW ANOTHER LEADER. CANBERRA, April Ifi. The invitation to the Country Party to link up with the Federal Opposition forces under one leader, with the object of turning the Government out and fighting the election as a United Part}', have not been altogether successful. The Country Party desires to retain its separate entity. It has expressed its willingness to allow its Leader, Dr. Earl Page, to co-operate with all the other Opposition leaders in a common policy of rehabilitation. BEASLEY GROUP VIEW. (Received this dav at 10 n.mA CANBERRA, April ]7. In the House of Representatives, Mr Lnzzarini, one of the Beasley group, said the Scullin Government would never use machine guns. That was one reason why his group kept them in power. If the Government lost office it would bo through the defection of members of its party, not through his group. He added that the Prime Minister had greatly changed his attitude. Some years ago lie would have been behind Lang, now lie was prepared to kick him. Mr Gabb interjected—“ Yes you keep him in power.” Mr Lazzarini—“Yes. because your side would be worse. We are in the happy position of having the support of two sets of dubs. We therefore have to choose which is the better of a bad lot and we have decided that the Government is the better for the moment.”