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Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1932, Page 4

It is regrettable that there should be a conflict at any time as between a State and the Federal Government of Australia, * but it is more unfortunate still, that at the moment when Sydney in particular is preparing for the opening of its wonderful bridge, the Federal authority should be in conflict with the New South Wales State Government. The' onus for this unfortunate crisis appears to be on Mr Lang, the State Premier, who seems to be directing the affairs of his State in a most remarkable manner. The influences behind the State Premier are believed to be very extreme, and certainly Mr Lang does not lack the courage to attempt the extreme when it suits his policy. There have been many charges against the Lang Government. The press has been very outspoken v on the point. “The New Guard,’’ a patriotic organisation which desires to oust Mr Lang from office, has gone to great lengths to achieve its object. Mr Lyons, the Prime Minister of the Commnmvealth, is the latest severe critic. The Federal Government hag had to shoulder oversea debts which Mr Lang has repudiated, and to recompense itself has taken legal measures to 'obtain security, Mr Lyons charges Mr Lang with destroy* ing industry and creating unemployment. and the only absolute remedy Mr Lyons can see is “an early New South Wales election.” This may be a hint to the Governor, of the State to assert his prerogative and recall his Ministers, hut it certainly emphasises the situation by putting so much blame directly on Mr Lang.