PARTY NOT AGREED

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 105, 28 January 1931, Page 9

PARTY NOT AGREED

Scullin’s Grave Error

RETURN OF THEODORE

Labour Ministers Resign

FENTON AND LYONS

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright

(Rec. January 27, 9 p.m-)

Canberra, January 27. Events'are moving swiftly in the Federal political arena, Mr. J. E. Fenton, Minister of Customs, resigned from the Ministry to-day. Mr. J. A. Lyons, Postmaster-General, will probably follow suit. It is understood that Mr. Gabb, of South Australia, is severing his allegiance with the Scullin Government.

These and other developments have arisen from the caucus decision last night re-admitting Mr. E. G. Theodore as Federal Treasurer and to tne deputy-leadership of the party. Mr. F. Brennan, Attorney-General, has become a peacemaker. He spent nearly an hour this morning trying to. induce Mr. Lyons to remain in the Ministry. , , Mr. Fenton feels very bitter toward the Prime Minister for ranging himself against two men—Lyons and himself—who held the fort during his absence abroad, and placing himself in the camp of the mutineers. Mr. J. C. Scullin told his friends today that he believed the party was almost unanimously In favour of the re-admission of Mr. Theodore. Now he realises his mistake.

“FINANCIAL BUNGLER”

Theodore’s Muddle Record

PLAIN TALK IN SYDNEY (Rec. January 27, 10.30 p.m.)

Sydney, January 27. The “Evening News,” in an editorial’ referring to Mr. Theodore’s re-admis-sion, asks: Why did Mr. Scullin reinstate this financial bungler, over whom the shadow of a Royal Commission’s finding lay? Why did he desert capable, honest Lyons? Theodore has proved his financial incapacity in Queensland, turning surpluses into deficits. Also he has bungled the Commonwealth’s finances, since his 1930 Budget is out by millions.

INJURY TO CREDIT.

Opposition Leaders’ Views

ONE REDEEMING FEATURE

(Rec. January 27, 10 p.m.)

Melbourne, January 27.

Mr. J. G. Latham, leader of the Opposition, has expressed the opinion that Mr. Theodore’s return to the Ministry would do a grave injury to the credit and reputation of Australia. The only redeeming feature of this political scandal was that.a substantial section of the Labour Party had strenuously opposed his reinstatement.

“A New Standard.”

The Deputy-Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Gullett, commenting in Sydney on the reinstatement of Mr. Theodore, said: “The Scullin Government has broken many records, and now has established a new standard in public life. Further comment is unnecessary.” The “Daily Telegraph Pictorial” says that the motion for Mr. Theodore’s admission was carried by 24 votes to 19.

SHOULD DO MORE

Self-help in Australia

LONDON BANKING VIEW

London, January 26.

Although British gilt-edged, securities are generally easier owing to the further heavy withdrawal of bar gold for France, Australian stocks show renewed firmness. Commonwealths advanced a point and numerous States ranged from one to three points high-

er. , , The most influential city circles are Indisposed to indicate how they regard the curative measures in Australia hitherto adopted. The Australian Press Association gathers from a responsible banking mouthpiece., that financiers are not inclined to raise a helping hand till Australia does more for herself, believing that there is still a wide opportunity for the Federal Ministry to give a bolder lead.

RESTORING WAGE-CUT

A Bill will shortly be introduced by the Lang Government to restore the wages cut in the New South Wales Public Service brought about by the Bavin Government. Mr. Lang, Premier of New South Wales, has given his assurance that this will be done. [By Radio, per Mr. I. M. Levy.]