LANG’S DOWNFALL

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1932, Page 2

LANG’S DOWNFALL

CRITICISM IN THE PRESS

SYDNEY PAPERS’ OPINION

(AusiraliaJt Press Association.)

SYDNEY, May 11

The ("Herald"’ in a leading article says: “At last, the turn in :be lane lias come, and the Governor has dismissed Mr Lang. Such action was inevitable. Mr Lang’s attitude all through was that of an obstinate man, who was not to be moved, though the suggestion is not unreasonable that he was merely playing a desperate game to the end. It .is not improbable that lie had been expecting the Governor to take the course he did, y<t was quite prepared for it—perhaps he was inviting dismissal. Mr Sevens thoroughly deserves the call to the high' office. lie lias a great battle before him.” 1

T'lie "Telegraph” in a leader says: After eighteen months’ iri’s-govern-ment, the Lang Ministry has fallen, as it richly deserved. Into that brief period it has crowded more mischief, more assaults on the pockets and liberties of the people, and more injury to our good name than would have been thought possible in the tin)®. Shock followed shock, and repudiation piled on repudiation. The interests of the people were callously sacrificed in many ways. Meanwhile, in ita fight againat the people of Australia, the Ministry ordered its servants to break the law. That was the ond. The Gov. enor took action, Mr Lang saw, no doubt, that- the game was up. Me accepted dismissal rather than retract. So passed a nightmare, but the State ia not out of the wood.

THE NEWS “DRAMATISED

LONDON PAPERS" REMARKS.

LONDON, May 14

Mr 'Lang’s dismissal is given prominenoe in the London morning papers, which dramatise their Sydney cables. Samples of their headlines are: “Lang Sacked!” “Strangers’ Joy—(Kisses in Sydney Streets!” They arc based on statements that .strangers joined hands and that many kissed each other in hysterical excitement. iSome sober comment, however, directed effect upon Australia’s financial recovery, regarding which there is only one opinion in the city. The “Daily Telegraph” s"ys: “There can I be little doubt that an end has been put to Langism 'by Governor Game’s action. This exercise of the powers ot the State Governorship is without precedent in lat:or-day Australian democracy. Only a .sense of the gravest necessity could have induced Sir P. Game to take so extreme a measure.”

SPECULATORS PLEASED

STOCK EXCHANGES BUSIER

SYDNEY, May 15

On till silks there wave expressions of irejief and exultation over the .political outlook, Share values on exchange soared yesterday, under the influence of ore of the most remarkable buyj'hg waves for years. The morning call of the exchange wa<s extended long past, the usual period, and such was the volume of sales, that clerks found difficulty in keeping pace with deals. A similar report comes from Melbourne, where the -daily papers stress the wholesale effects of Mr •Lung's dismissal.

Sydney Stock Exchange was cheerfully excited, ard prices all round showed an advance of ten to twelve and a-half per cent.

NEW PREMIERS STATEMENT

SYDNEY. May 15.

The new Premier, Mr Stevens, in a brief statement emphasised that he would work in harmony with the Commonwealth, and the other State Governments. and he would endeavour to establish a proper, reasonable balance between price levels.

He added:—'The reconstruction of our shattered finances and the restoration of confidence and security, and of political honour and morality, will be the keynote of our campaign.” The Party Members of the United Australia Party have unanimously decided to give Mr Stevens a free hand in the formation, of his Emergency Cabinet.

MR LYONS’ COMMENTS'

CANBERRA, May 14

In a .broadcast speech, Mr Lyons said that the nation and people, of (New South \Vnles breathed a heavy sigh of relief when they heard that Mr Lang had fallen. It is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Australia to pull togither towards the rehabilitation of the CoinmonweaKh. il believe that a return of prosperity will be quicker in Australia than in any other part of the .world.

‘‘LABOUR DAILY’S” CHARGE. SYDNEY, May 11

The “Lahour Unity,” in a leader, Bays: Tile Lang Government has been dismissed by a foul blow. The most appalling tragedy in the constitutional history of Australia, since the white race superseded the black, occurred yesturdav. Tie position is so unparalleled that, words seem futile to express indignation. In its correct form, the roustitui inn has ceased to exist. »[%(•; Labour <kiwnimmit was dismissed on the most flimsy pretexts.

BIG FINANCIAL LEEWAY. SYDNEY. May 15

The Lang Government was in office

for about eighteen months, during which they received accommodation from banks aggregating twenty-five millions. The incoming Go,•eminent will have at least, four millions leeway to make up for the financial year, ending on June 30lh.

CANCELLATION OF ACTS. CANBERRA, May 1". The outstanding feature of the change in the political .situation in New ,'south Wiles, is that ;*-t| the legislation directed against that State, miller llu I-'ins 1 Ag"eeiin , nt Enforcement Act, is likely to be withdrawn and that a'l the proclamations providing for at*a< linient by the Commonwealth of certain classes of revenue in New South Wales, will certainly bo the case if the new Government under Mr Stevens is returned to office.

Mr Lyons was in communication with Mr Stevens by telephone, last night and a special meeting of tlie Federal Cabinet will be held to-day.