FEDERAL POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1932, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS

STATE OF EMERGENCY. EXISTENT IN SOUTHS AUSTRALIA. (Australian Press Association.) Adelaide, Jan. 21.. A proclamation was issued by the South Australian Governor declaring that a state of emergency exists. This is for the port of Adelaide area only. Premier Hill stated: “We are not de.y.ng the Commonwealth. We are merely warning it. The Act gives the State Government power to jjruciaim that a state of emergency exists in any area, and to make regulation lor that area. r l he States regulations arc expected to be challenged by t.e Fed.ru] Government.

A meet of the I'Ydcr 1 Cabinet was held at Mclbou lie, Lilt it was decided to await further information before- taking actio. . Jut r.iaued, the ’ Attorney-General (Mr Latham) said tiiat while no decison was reached by Cabinet the S aitli Austral an Government’s action is regarded as unconstitutional. In spite of the action by the Adelaide branch of the Seamen's Union, in calling out the crews of the vessels owned by the Adelaide Steamship Company, the three ship.? left Port Adelaide, with volunteer crews.

COMMONWEALTH BOND.

REG ULATIONS NULLIFIED

MELBOURNE, Jan 21

The was a dramatic development in the Port Adelaide maritime trouble to-day, when the Commonwealth Government issued a new regulation nullifying those of the South Australian Government. Thus once again, it will be lawful for the shipowners to employ volunteer labour in the waterfront •

Mr Latham, Federal Attorney-Gen-eral, in a statement said : “The Commonwealth Government lias a special responsibility under constitution in respect to the maintenance and control of services in inter-state and foreign trade. It will not abdicate, the responsibility because of violence or threats of violence.” Meanwhile the Government invites the organisation of employers and the employees concerned to submit suggestions for a permanent solution of the difficulties on the waterfront.