AUSTRALIA’S CRISIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 134, 19 March 1931, Page 5

AUSTRALIA’S CRISIS

A LABOUR ARMY. TO OPPOSE SEDITIOUS FORCES. “WILL FIGHT IF NECESSARY.” (United Press Association—Copyright). (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m. ) SYDNEY, This Day. The Australian Labour Party Metropolitan Conference lias decided to form an Australian Labour army, to oppose the seditions forces that are being marshalled against constitutional government.

Propaganda, according to the Labour “Daily,” is to be broadcast in New South Wales .to counteract the new State movement, the AH-for-Aus-tralia League and similar bodies. A huge army will be enlisted to uphold and maintain the ideals and conditions of labour and defend the democratic aspirations of the Australian people. While its object will be to maintain peace, tips army would, if necessary, take appropriate action in the event' of the government being threatened by force and a “Fight il necessary.” A State-wide campaign is to be commenced on Sunday, March 29, to warn the people of the menace which recent-ly-formed organisations have become to the peace of the community. It was announced that any Labour member taking part in the activities of these bodies will be regarded as no longer within the Labour Party.

INTEREST REDUCTION BILL. SECOND READING IN ASSEMBLY. (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m. ) CANBERRA, This Day. The Legislative Assembly carried the second rending of the Interest Reduction Bill by 50 .votes to 27. The Rill will be taken in the Committee stage to-day. ARREARS OF INTEREST. , \ LANG MINISTRY’S OBLIGATIONS. CANBERRA, March IS. The fact that the Lang Government is £220,876 in arrears in the .payment of interest due to the Commonwealth was disclosed, by the Prime Minister, (Mr J. H. iSeullin) in the House of Re-, presentatives. In stating that this amount was overdue Mr Scullin announced that the Commonwealth Government was considering the matter with a .view to taking apropriate action to ensure that the Commonwealth law and constitution were upheld. ACTION BY STATES PROPOSED. CONFERENCE TO BE HELD. ADELAIDE, This Day. The State Ministry has decided to convene a conference of Premiers and Treasurers, owing to the inaction of the Federal Parliament, 4th ich is engaged in futile strife while the States are struggling with finance for needy farmers. The Premier (Mr Hill) comments that if the Federal Cabinet will not act, another course must be found by those States desiring to straighten their financial position and do something for the unemployed and the man on, the laind. Thev must get together to evolve a scheme for resuscitating languishing industries and businesses.

BANKING TURNOVER. A TREMENDOUS FALL LAST YEAR. MELBOURNE, March 18. A tremendous fall in banking turnover during the last year was indicated before the full Arbitration Court by counsel for banks in applying for a 10 per cent, cut in the award rates for bank officials. The total fall in the turnover of Australian banking was £320.500,000. The turnover was still falling.