ANOTHER CLOSE CALL

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 147, 18 March 1931, Page 9

ANOTHER CLOSE CALL

Scullin Avoids Division GOVERNMENT’S PERIL Labour Race to Canberra LATHAM’S SUDDEN POUNCE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. March 17, 8 p.m.) Canberra, March 17. A sudden decision by the National Party this morning that Mr. J. G. Latham, Leader of the Opposition, should move for an adjournment of the House this afternoon to test the Government’s position, threw the latter's forces into excited activity. As five Victorian Labour members had not arrived by the morning train, and others were absent, the Government had only 26 assured votes. Arrangements were made for an aeroplane to bring the members from Melbourne in time to participate in the division. A hurried consultation between Messrs. J. H. Scullln and Latham just before the Labour caucus meeting was regarded as very significant. Messrs. Latham, Gullett and J. A. Lyons also conferred earlier. Increased Uncertainty. The Government’s uncertainty was increased by the lack of any indication of the Beasley group’s attitude. It was believed that this group would abstain from voting. The House met at 3 p.m. and adjourned for an hour in respect to the memory of Senator Chapman. When the House resumed, Mr. Latham, amidst considerable noise from the Government side, moved the adjournment of the House. The Leader of the Opposition said his motion was to allow the House to discuss the publication of certain confidential cables. Mr. Latham was twice obliged to withdraw remarks directed at Mr. Crouch, Victorian Labour member, who frequently interjected. Mr. Scullin rose to reply at 4.45 p.m., and talked the motion out. According to Standing Orders the vote had to be taken by 5 o’clock. Late in the ..afternoon the Beasley group decided that if it came to a vote they must again save the Government. Messrs. Maloney, Jones and Anstey left Melbourne early in the afternoon by plane for Canberra. Mr. Lewis flew from Geelong, but missed the Canberra plane by minutes. Theodore is Defiant. “Neither the State Executive nor any other New South Wales body has the power to expel me from the Labour movement,” states the Federal Treasurer, Mr. E. G. Theodore, in referring to the expulsion threat by the New South Wales body. “The supreme au thorlty in this matter is the Federal Labour Conference.” Mr. Theodore denies the suggestion that his visit to Brisbane is concerned with the search for a Federal seat owing to the New South Wales State Labour organisation opposing his endorsement for Dailey. The Federal Treasurer, while saying that he was not seeking a Queensland seat, declined to discuss his future plans. He repeated that the State Party had no power to expel him from the Labour movement. “Menace” of League. Declaring it illegal and unconstitutional, the Government Whip in the Senate, Senator Dunn, said that the Goverhment should suppress the All for Australia League. It was a distinct menace to law and order, and the good government of Australia. NOTHING YET DONE Australia Lacks a Leader EXPERT ADVICE SHELVED (Rec. March 17, 9 p.m.). London, March 17. Recalling it eight months since Australian Premiers, after listening to Sir Otto Niemeyer, agreed on a programme of retrenchment, the “Morning Post” affirms that practically nothing has been done. The crisis, the worst of which might already have passed, is still as urgent as ever. There are unmistakable signs that the Australian people are only awaiting a strong lead, hitherto denied them, In order to co-operate with an energetic Government in the work of financial restoration. They may rest assured that a generous helping hand will be extended from Britain once their Government begins to face the difficulties. In particular, the request for the alleviation of the war debt burden would receive, sympathetic attention.' PEACEFUL PRODUCERS Revolutionary Talk Denied / Sydney, March 17. Mr. Abbott, organising secretary of the Producers’ Advisory Council, denies statements at the Labour Conference that the recently-formed organisations contemplate revolutionary tactics. From the beginning they had stressed their adherence to constitutional methods. They were not attacking the workers, but in reality fighting their battles.