FEDERAL FINANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1932, Page 6

FEDERAL FINANCE

STATE V. COMMONWEALTH. FURTHER OPINION EXPRESSED. (Australian Press Association.) (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 7. Commenting on the High Court decision, tlie “Telegraph” savs: “Mr Lang’s threat to oppose the Commonwealth by force, if necessary, is purely propaganda.. He will obey the law whether he likes it. or not; therefore the community should refuse to he affected by ally panic, move by the State Government.”

Mr Lyons said that lie did not anticipate trouble, and the Federal Government; would leave nothing undone to carry lout the provisions of the Act.

'3,ire New Guard Iras .offered the whole of its forces to the Common-

wealth should the need arise. Colonel Campbell has telegraphed to Mr Lyons, offering any number of thoroughly trustworthy, reliable men, highly organised in units, under commanders in case of emergency.

Inter-State opinion, except in Tasmania, favours the Commonwealth. “If forcible seizure of the State revenue is resisted, it can only mean war,” said the Lieut. Governor of Tasmania, Sir Herbert Nichnlls. The “Labour Daily” savs that the New South Wales Government takes the view that tile Court’s decision is a political verdict to cloak an act of piracy. It will fight for the people and the State and their conditions, against such federal brigandage. It stated pn behalf of .the State Government, that it will apply to the Higli Court for ..a certificate, enabling it to appeal to the Privv Council. ,v-

The “Herald” savs that a proclamation giving effect to the Act will be issued to-day or to-morrow. It is known that the State Government will endeavour to place every obstacle in the way of the Commonwealth in collecting State revenue. The Commonwealth’s legal position is unassailable, and i,utnre developments are awaited with lively interest.