FEDERAL OPPOSITION

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1931, Page 6

FEDERAL OPPOSITION

MR LYONS’ FIRST MOVE. N’ILCO XEI DEN CE K KSO LU Ti ON. Australian Press Association.) CANBERRA, May 7. There were remarkable scenes of enthusiasm in the Federal Opposition lobbies of the House of Representat ives. to-day, when the first meeting of the United Australian Party was held. Mr Lyons was elected the Leader of the Party. Mr Latham was elected Deputy-Leader. Mr \V. M. Hughes, Mr Marks and Senator Duncan, who broke away from the Nationalist Party prior to last election, and who were largely responsible for the downfall of the Bruce Government, returned to-day to the fold, and they were greeted with cheers. The first action of the new Opposition Leader, Mr Lyons, when he took his seat in the House of Representatives this afernoon was to give notice of his intention to move a motion of “no confidence” in the Government. The notice of motion was followed by a bitterly sarcastic attack upon Mr Lyons by the Prime Minister, Mr J. H. Seullin. The House was in an upoar with interjections and violent exchanges. The following is he text of Mr. Lyons’ motion of no confidence: “That the House condemns the'Government for its failure to take steps within its power to safegard the Commmonwealh against default, with its inevitable consequences of an extension of unemployment, of distress and suffering; and that therefore it no longer possesses the confidence of this House.” ihe Prime Minister, Mr Seullin, intimated tlmt he was willing to move the suspension of the Standing Orders for the discussion of Mr Lyons motion. Otherwise, he said, it would bo necessary to adjourn the House at mice Mr Lyons replied that he was not wi’ling to move his motion immediately.

Thereupon Mr Seullin began his attach. He said that M.r Lyons had been going round as a saviour of the country, and now he declined a chance to proceed with his scenic ol salvation. Several other Ministers also condemned Mr Lyons, and they declared that he tried to break up the Ministry while Mr Seullin was abroad. Mr Lyons in a. brief reply, said that he did not intend to indulge in “cheap Jack” efforts to defend his actions. He simply wished to assure the House that no pains would toe spared to turn the Ministry out at tlie earliest possible moment. It was his privilege, he said. to lead a strengthened Opposition, an Opposition that was to lie known as the United Australian Party, whose objective was probably well known to the members of the Ministry.

Hoots were given when Mr Lyons resumed his seat. Mr Latham, whose action in staining aside and allowing Mr Lyons to ' (’come the Leader of the Opposition was praised by the members of his Party,, followed M,r Lyons. Mr Latresolntion had been agreed to. allowing the members of the United- Opposition liberty of action. The majority, he said, would not seek to hind the minority, but the general principle bad been affirmed that, .upon arger questions, every endeavour shall he made to achieve an agreement in order to present a united ‘.rout to the Government.