POLITICAL CRISIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26641, 11 December 1947, Page 7

POLITICAL CRISIS

Tasmanian Labour Government EARLY ELECTION FORECAST New Zealand Press Association—Reuter—Copyright. Rec. 9.30 p.m. HOBART, Dec. 10. The political crisis in Tasmania may reach its climax before the end of this week with the resignation of the Cosgrove Ministry. Political experts base this opinion on the assumption that after the Governor, Sir Hugh Binney, has examined the report of the Royal Commissioner, Mr Justice Reed, in which it was stated that the Premier, Mr Robert Cosgrove,, would be indicted on a charge relating to an allegation that he received £5400 from .four road service operators, the Governor will propose a consultation with Mr Cosgrove. The Government is passing through its greatest crisis since Labour assumed office in 1934. With a majority of one on the floor of the House of Assembly, it is likely, to be further embarrassed if the Labour member, Mr R. J. Turnbull, carries out his threat to join the independent group. To carry on in such circumstances the Government would have to depend on the vote of one Independent and face a hostile Legislative Council. Indications point to an election early in the New Year.

The announcement of Mr Cosgrove's indictment was made by Mr Justice Reed, when he dramatically terminated the Royal Commission which has been inquiring into allegations against Mr Cosgrove. He said that he expressed no opinion as to the truth or falsity of the charges against the Premier, who is alleged to have received the money in exchange for an assurance that certain road transport in Tasmania would not be nationalised. Mr Cosgrove, who was born in 1884, and who entered Parliament in 1919, had been Labour Premier of Tasmania since 1939. The judge explained that if evidence was taken from the Premier in the Royal Commission he would be answering a charge made under certain circumstances which might be prejudicial to him, in that a conclusion as to his innocence or guilt would be arrived at otherwise than by the verdict of a jury. In view of these considerations the judge had taken the course of recommending to the Attorneygeneral that it would be more satisfactory if an indictment were filed against the Premier. As the evidence given by a transport operator, J. T. Sullivan, was of such a character as might incriminate him, and as his evidence was vital, the judge recommended to the At-torney-general that a pardon in respect of any offences they might have committed in respect of the subject matter under inquiry be granted Sullivan and three other operators. In the House of Assembly the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Neil Campbell, later called on the Premier to resign. Mr Cosgrove said that he proposed to carry on until such time as the findings of the court were known. The vital- issue in the case is that if Mr Cosgrove resigns, or is deposed, an election will be forced, with the probability of an Opposition success. This would make the Australian States four to two against the Federal Government’s bank nationalisation plans. It is unlikely that the trial of Mr Cosgrove will be opened before the Christmas vacation.