ELECTION RUMOURS IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 244, 13 July 1939, Page 8

ELECTION RUMOURS IN AUSTRALIA

When Mr. Menzies assumed office as Prime Minister of Australia it appeared that, in spite of sectional opposition, he would retain sufficient support to expedite a vigorous and promising policy, particularly in respect to defence. Unfortunately, the outlook has changed for the worse. In the closing weeks of the session party differences became more acute, and, although the Federal Government is now enjoying the breathing spell of the recess, it would appear that, unless steps can be taken to reconcile the policies of the United Australia Party and the Country Party before Parliament reassembles, the Government may be obliged to go to the polls. Speaking in Adelaide this week, Mr. Menzies indicated that this was more than a possibility. Well-informed political observers in Sydney and Melbourne believe that, without going so far as to precipitate an election, Mr. Menzies could campaign successfully for popular support against party obstruction on the ground that it was hindering the vital and urgent task of national defence. His case would be a sound and logical one, for he and his Cabinet have made excellent progress in the organization of every branch of defence, and are launched on a three-year plan which calls for the fullest co-operation of the Commonwealth community. One of the keystones of the plan is the National Register, to which political Labour organizations are bitterly opposed on the grounds that it will menace trade unionism. All the more reason, then, for a plain-spoken appeal for either a new and lasting display of unity on the part of the anti-Labour forces at Canberra; or, at least, a working arrangement which will tide the Government over the present critical year in defence, and postpone the general election till the normal date —the end of 1940.

On the other hand, there is the fact that whatever arrangement lie made to meet the dissatisfaction of the moment, Mr. Menzies would remain in the unenviable position of heading a Government which lacks an independent party majority. The Country Party, in effect, holds the balance of power, and, in spite of its original undertaking to support the Ministry on national questions, the ever-present threat of interference is both embarrassing to Mr. Menzies and his colleagues and unsettling in its effect on the electorate. There is no saying that a general election at this stage would increase the Government’s strength; and no one in Australia, not even the Labour Opposition, comments the Sydney Morning Herald, wants a general election at the present stage. Nevertheless, Mr. Menzies may be faced with this alternative to the acceptance of Country Party support at a price which will do serious damage to United Australia Party prestige, and cause it to go to the polls at the end of next year with a clouded record of national achievemen’-