STEVENS-SPOONER SPLIT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 8

STEVENS-SPOONER SPLIT

After surviving a Labour Opposition motion of no-confidence, the Stevens Government of New South Wales (comprising United Australia Party and Country Party) faces what may prove to be a narrow division on a motion moved by Mr. Spooner, who recently resigned from the Ministries of Public Works and Local Government. Though Mr. Spooner disclaimed any intention of making

his motion a censure motion, it is being treated as such by Mr. Stevens. Mr. Spooner moved for "a new financial policy for 1939-40 and the creation of a special trust account for the proceeds of the Avages tax and the special income tax, which must be used exclusiA rely for the relief of unemployment." This idea is as unwelcome to Mr. Stevens as a motion in the New Zealand House of Representatives, for dedication of the neAV petrol tax to strictly defence purposes, Avould probably be to the New Zealand Government. The Stevens-Spooner difference is none the less bitter for being domestic, and it may split the United Australia Party. ToAvards the close of last year Mr. Stevens handed the Treasurership to Mr. Mair, and Avas suspected of trying to enter Federal politics to assist or to replace Mr. Lyons. The translation of Mr. SteArens to the Federal House never happened, and it is noiv charged that the surplus he budgeted for before making room for Mr. Mair Avas impossible of attainment, also that the real deficit is much greater than the deficit disclosed.