Government Is In Critical Position

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1032, 24 July 1930, Page 1

Government Is In Critical Position

BUDGET DEBATE RISKS LABOUR DISSATISFIED THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Today. The critical days in the history of the United Government have begun, the real time of test having started with the Customs tariff resolutions, brought down in the House on Tuesday evening. Then Labour members voiced their disapproval of the Government’s financial proposals, and there is a growing dissatisfaction among the party at present, so that its attitude toward the Government is being carefully considered. The Budget this evening, it is felt, will be the deciding factor as to whether the Government stands or falls, and if the proposals are drastic it is almost certain that there will be a Labour motion of no-confidence during the financial debate. Not only is there a growing dissatisfaction in the ranks of the party, but also in the organisation outside, and questions are beginning to be asked as to why the Labour Party permits the Government to remain in power. The Reform Party’s attitude on the Unemployment Bill is one large criticism, and members of the Opposition also are not satisfied with the tariff resolutions. It is felt, however, that Reform will not go on to the Treasury benches, but that there will be an appeal to the country. With his financial proposals the Prime Minister is taking a bold course and is concentrating upon balancing the accounts without any fear for the consequences. Hi's departure for the Imperial Conference is prejudiced in the light of the events of the last few days. It was hoped to clear up the second reading of the Unemployment Bill last evening, but the House rose at midnight with the Bill still under discussion, meaning that still another day-, valuable to the Prime Minister, had been lost. There is a feeling all round the House that eventful days are here with anything on the cards.