FEDERAL CRISIS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10614, 12 June 1920, Page 7

FEDERAL CRISIS

HSR WATT’S ACTiSM CTREEAISTANCES KNOWN BY AIR HUGHES. EN-TREASERER’S CONTENTION.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, LONDON. June 10.

'Replying to the Press messages from Melbourne, reporting that Mr Hughm denies knowledge of -Mr Watt's resignation, Air Watt siates: “Mr Lugnei Knows alt tho circumstances of the resignation! Frequent, cables passed been eon us during tue last luivnigUi. Mr migbes received- my cabled resignation on ttio agwx. before it was announce;! • lo Uio Press.” BLAMED FOR ~PRECT PITANQY. VIEWS OF CABINET MINISTERS. MELBOURNE. June 11. Mr Hughes suit preserves a sphinx- , like attitude respecting Air Watt's resignation. Hut states that nothing has come officially before him, hence he reserves his comment till later. lUeauwhile he is rabbit-shooting at Wagga. In Melbourne, Mr Watt’s dramatic resignation is regretted, but he Is blamed by Jus colleagues for precipitancy, ft is suggested 'that Mr Watt sougut the Cabinet’s acquiescence in a certain direction, intimating that fie would vacate the TrcasurersJiip unless it was forthcoming. Acquiescence being refused, tho resignation followed as a matter of course. But what were the actuating motives is so far- largely a matter of speculation. ■FINANCIAL NEGOTIATIONS IN THE AIR. LONDON. June 10. The “Financial N e -ws,” in a leader, Bays tho resignation may create an awkward position. It leaves the financial negotiations in the air, whatever may be the result of his action on his sympathetic colleagues in Air Hughes’s Cabinet. _ This is a pity, because tho negotiations were of first-rate importance. Possibly some statement ot the exact nature of the 1 strain between Air Hughes and Air .Watt may shortly be made. AIOREI THAN ON THE SERFAGE. LONDON, Juno 10. Air Watb, questioned, regarding the reported ' disagreement over the wool scheme, informed.au Australian Press reporter that them was a lot more behind it than the wool business. Matters had been approaching a crisis for a fortnight. Air Watt, added: “I won’t say another word. Tam leaving the hotel do-day, and' disappearing into the void, leaving no address. I am taking a long holiday, which I much need.”