FEDERAL NEGLIGENCE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 44, 20 August 1930, Page 9

FEDERAL NEGLIGENCE

NOT MEETING BILLS

STATES' DISPLEASURE

MELBOUBNE, 19th August. The outcome of the financial conference between the Federal and Stat» Ministers, in the presence of Sir Ott* Niemeyer, is awaited with the greatest* interest throughout: Australia.

The unfortunate absence through illness of the Prime Minister, Mr. J. H« Scullin, has rather complicated thft position. Mr. J. E. Fenton, Ministe* of Customs, is acting for him.

The Premiers and Treasurers today are reported to have expressed resentment when they learned that; no steps had been taken by the Federal Government to meet the five millions sterling in Treasury, bills on 31st August. They fear that Australia will be posted as a defaulter nation.

Mr. Fenton attempted to explain the recent financial actions of the Federal Ministry, but it is understood that tha States were not in the least impressed with his outline of the position. Some! of the Ministers present indicated; plainly their displeasure at the Coni« monwealth Government's inactivity and there was an insistent demand that Mr. Scullin should abandon his trig to London, .

Sir Otto Niemeyer contented himseli? with an outspoken analysis of Australia's serious financial plight. H4 urged decisive action to meet commit* ments falling due in London beforaj the end of the present year.

There is a disposition at the conference now to appoint a committee of responsible Ministers to take charge of; the financial situation.