FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1931, Page 6

FEDERAL POLITICS

(Australian Rresß Association)

CANBERRA, July 3

It is learned that Mr Lang actually signed, on behalf of his State, the agreement reached at the confeience of Commonwealth and State Ministers in Melbourne in May. This agreement is 'embodied in the Debt Conversion Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives. SYDNEY, July 8.

Another hurried meeting of the State Executive Council was held this afternoon at which the Assembly s motion complaining of the Legislative Council’s obstruction of the Governnor’s duty to accept the advice of his Ministers, was placed before the Governor, Sir Philip Game. The outcome of the meeting was not disclosed, but well-informed people declare that there are to be no appointments to the Legislative Council for the present. The whole matter probably will be left to the Dominions Office. There was a dramatic countermove made in the Legislative Council this evening, when Hon. F. S. 80-yes obtained leave to move a motion endorsing the Council’s rejection of the Government’s Emergency Income lax Bill, and affirming the Council was protecting the people of New South Wales against an abuse of power by its rejection of this and other measures not approved by its electors. The motion added that: “under a bicameral constitution it is the right am! duty of the Governor to exercise his discretion when asked to make appointments to the Legislaitve Council 5 and that a message to this effect be transmitted to the Secretary ol State for the Dominions.

GOVERNOR’S EXPLANATION

SYDNEY, July 8

Regarding the Executive Council’s meting, it is now disclosed that the State Governor told Premier Lang that be was exercising his discretionary powers in.refusing to sanction more appointments to the Legislative Council, and that be would now await a reply from the Dominions Office.

DEFENCE OF UPPER HOUSE

SYDNEY, July 8

Concerning the Assembly s attituue, it is highly likely that two eminent barristers will be sent from Australia to argue the case for tbe retention of tbe X.S.W. Legislative Council when the appeal arises in tbe 1 iivy Council, probably in November. It is felt that their local knowledge of the whole circumstances will be of great assistance.

MUNGANA CASE.

, <\Vtf MTr.i MM ITT fi'nrrn r.rrrj -r.r< CANBERRA. July 3

The Federal Treasurer, Mr E. G. Theodore, will require to bo relieved from duty a fortnight hence to visit Brisbane to defend the act foil brought by tbe Queensland Government arising out of tbe finding of the Mungana Commissioner. The action is likely to commence towards the end of tbe month.