THIRST FOR POWER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 119, 22 May 1931, Page 7

THIRST FOR POWER.

FEDERAL POLITICS. Scullin's Move for Non-party Unity Rejected. EFFORT TO FORCE ELECTION. (United P.A.-Electric Telegraph-Copyright) (Received 0.30 a.m.) CANBERRA, this day. When the House of Representatives met yesterday Mr. J. A. Lyons, Leader of the Opposition, announced the decision upon Mr. Scullkrs invitation to a non-party conference. . He said the Opposition did not think such a conference would assist the financial and economic position of the country. "As an alternative," Mr. Lyons said,! "we are prepared to validate the tariff proposals for a period of six months, and <nve supply for three months, in order that there may be a prompt appeal to theipeople by a general election. "If, however, the Government will abandon its policy of inflation and political control of banking, and will endeavour to bring Government expenditure within its income within a reasonable time, it can definitely count on the support of the Opposition." Dr.. Earle Page. Leader of the Country party,-said his ■ party, while anxious to extend co-operation in a non-party spirit in.order to find a solution for Australia's difficulties, regarded the Prime Minister's plan as quite impracticable. Unless the Government was prepared to carry out the decisions of a non-party conference the present intolerable position should be ended by a general election. Mr. Scullin expressed his deep disappointment. Surely, he added, the Opposition had remedies for the present impasse. They would have to disclose them to the people at some time. Then why not now? "Frankly, lam disappointed." Mr. C. W. Marr (Nationalist): So is the public. Continuing Mr. Scullin said: "As the overtures of the Government have been rejected, we must now go on."