ANTI-LABOUR FORCES.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20250, 30 May 1931, Page 2

ANTI-LABOUR FORCES.

EFFORTS FOR UNITY. AUSTRALIAN PROBLEM* (from 'oua own correspondent.) SYDNEY, May 21. The task of Welding the anti-Labour political forces of Australia has not been an easy one, and even now is far from complete accomplishment. The All for Australia League, a wholly new body, rapidly became an important factor in the public life of the Commonwealth; but when it decided to become a separate political pirty it was realised that there was a very real danger that it would divide the moderate forces, so many of whom were represented by the Nationalists. Matters became complicated when the Victorian Branuh of tho All for Australia League accepted Mr J. A. Lyons as its leader when ho broke away from the Labour Party, and when'the Nationalist members in the House of Representatives accepted tho same leadership. Prominent Nationalists in other States then endeavoured to bring about a similar union in New South Wales, but the Nationalists were so jealous of their power that this was no easy matter. Many members of the League, too, wished that body to retain its complete independence. The matter of pre-selection was the greatest difficulty, but this has now been settled with the establishment of a joint committee with power to endorse any candidate in tfie Federal sphere only. As far as State matters are concerned 1 there has been no unity. ' "That serious differences of opinion should exist in any sphere does not seem to, augur well for the arrangements that have beon made, and there are many who fear that the plans will break down even before they are properly tested. The Country Party has taken part in all the negotiations to date; hut it has been rather a hindrance than a help, and it will have nothing' to do with any scheme that will rob it of its separate entity. This means that in New South Wales .and. Victoria at least three parties will contest the next Federal elections —Nationalist, Labour and Country. This should be to the distinct advantage of Labour, for it means that the anti-Labour vote- will be split in many of the electorates. The Country Party is prepared to- co-oper-ate in securing the removal from office of the Scullin Government; but beyond that it refuses to go. While the other organisations have been prepared to make sacrifices in the cause, of unity, they have been very disappointed at the attitude of the Country Party.