N.S.W. STATE LABOUR’S POSITION

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1931, Page 6

N.S.W. STATE LABOUR’S POSITION

(Sydney Telegraph). Figures published on April 24th in Sydney, emphasise a fact ol which everyone is now aware—that New South Wales is much the worst off, financially, of all the States. With a‘ deficit for the past nine months ol £7,000,000. plus a floating liability of another £40,000, and with a saving Bank that lias temporarily closed its doors, the position is one that might well cause dismay were there not remedies available. „ Just as no one denies that gross and palpable blunders have led us into the present morass, so no one, it he or she is honest, will deny that a different kind of leadership must get us out of it. Mr Lang stands for a policy that has very definitely failed. Others are associated with him in that policy and must take their share of the discredit attached to it. But it is certain that while Mr Lang remains as Premier there will be no effective change, or none that will inspire confidence in the beginnings of a new and healthier era. An omen of hope is that the fact e| failure is beginning to dawn on State TiabonF ifscTf. " "" ‘ * """ Two events at the week-end give every elector food for though. On Saturday the men of An/.ac marches through the streets. They are an army that has been depleted hv the years; hut they still stand for what is best in our national life—for loyalty, for duty, for integrity, for personal and national honor, for the keeping of Australia place high among the nations.

That the heart of Australia and the heart of New South Wales is sound there is'no reason whatever to doubt. The huge, respectful audience in the Domain; the sincere, unspoken tribute of Sydney’s watching and listening thousands—these were proof enough, if proof is wanted. No one believes that a people willing to give its dearest and best for honor and credit fifteen years ago is content to wallow in the mud of dishonor and discredit, now.

There was, too, on Saturday the result of the Annandale l>y-eleetion. The electorate is an out-and-out Labour one, which means that in normal times about four electors out of five would he found voting for the Labour candidate. Saturday saw the Labour majority of over 9000 six months ago reduced to less than half that figure. There were nearly 1000 informal votes, which means that hundreds of electors who voted the Labour ticket, last year preferred on this occasion to throw their, votes awa.v. There was no Nationalist candidate, and th majority could see no solution in the candidature, of a woman Independent. More drastic remedies are required. The immediate hope, as we have said, is with those who represent Labour in the. State Parliament. In the ordinary course Parliament has two and a half years to run. The rank and file of State members represent in the main men and women who believe in paying one’s way. and who are no) proud of a Government or a leader that, openly preaches repudiation. The repercussions of that disastrous gospel are everywhere.

"While Mr Lang remains the policy remains.' ' A policy that involves tampering with the people’s saving—a sacred trust—and using them in effect for political purposes, means deep-root-ed distrust, bordering on panic, and must not be longer tolerated. If Labour in office is to lie anything for those who gave it its opportunity six months ago it must make a right about face. A heavy responsibility rests on every one of its members. L cannot carry that responsibility and carry Mr Lang as well.