COURT’S VERDICT

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1932, Page 5

COURT’S VERDICT

AGAINST LANG

STATE ORDERED TO PAY COSTS

(Australian Press Association.)

SYDNEY, April 12

The High Court of Australia has given a decision against Mr Lang’s Government on both applications, that to restrain the banks from paying New South Wales moneys to the Commonwealth, and that for leave of appeal to the Privy Council. Of tlio six Judges, only Mr Justice E'vatt favoured the Now South Wales Government’'.:; application for leave to appeal to the Privy Council against the High Court’s decision that the Federal Agreement Enforcement Act was valid.

On the application to restrain the banks from paying the State’s moneys to the Commonwealth Government, the Chief Justice (Mr Frank Duffy) and Mr Justice Evatt. favoured upholding it Justices Starke, Rich, Dixon and McTiermann opposed it. The High Court ordered the State Government to pay the cost® of AJy Lang’s applidatiuns.

STATE’S AWKWARD POSITION. /SYDNEY, April 22. The High Court’s refusal to order the restoration of banking facilities for the State Government brings Mr Lang’s administration face to face with an immediate problem, as the Governor of the State may now ask the Premier to carry out the provisions of the Audit Act. Mr Lang may ask that the position be left as*it is until he can consult the State Parliament next week. In the meantime no endowment payments are being made, and there is a possibility that that Department may be closed, thus affecting four hundred and fifty permanent and temporary employees.

VICTORIAN DISSO LUTION. MELBOURNE, April 22. The Victorian Legislative Assembly dissolved to-day. The Acting-Premier, Mr Tunn eel iff e, reiterated that the Government’s policy was to meet the State’s liabilities in the fullest degree commensurate with the resources of the State, but, he added, “Our definite determination is to avoid the further impoverishment of the people. ’ *■ .... - --