AUSTRALIAN POLITICS

Evening Star, Issue 20993, 6 January 1932, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS

FINAL MEETING OF OLD CABINET MR SGULLIN'S FAREWELL MESSAGE Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, CANBERRA, January 5. The Prime Minister (Mr J, H. Scullin), at the conclusion of the final Cabinet meeting to-day, said he cheerfully bowed to the will of the people and he hoped that prosperity would soon return to the Commonwealth. Ho felt like a schoolboy freed from the cares of office. Ho could say definitely that the financial position of the Commonwealth was now secure. The trade balance was exceptionally favourable, the Budget position was satisfactory, and with the fear of default removed those engaged in industry should be able to strike out with a little more confidence and assist in the paramount task which confronted all—namely, the absorption of the unemployed. The new Government could count on him rendering the utmost assistance to this end. TREASURY BILLS BALANCE RENEWED. CANBERRA, January 5,: Federal Treasury officials announce that of £5,000,000 worth of Treasury bills which were due to the Westminster Bank by the Commonwealth at the end of the year, £250,000 was paid off on December 31 and the balance was renewed for three months at 6J per cent., the same as hitherto, which is regarded as highly satisfactory. It is also a sign of increasing confidence. MR BRUCE RETURNS FREMANTLE, January 5. Mr S. M. Bruce, a former Prime Minister, returned aboard the Oronsay today. He expressed gratitude for the generous support which ensured his reelection for Flinders, He discussed the awakening in Great Britain on the subject of interimperial trade and stressed the remarkable opportunities which are likely to occur for the dominions shortly for reciprocity.

MORE FAITH IN AUSTRALIA. FREMANTLE, January 6. (Received January 6, at 11 a.m.) Mr Bruce stated that the whole atmosphere surrounding the name of Australia in England has undergone a complete change in six weeks. All Government stocks have risen twenty points, which is unprecedented. He also said that the discussions at the Imperial Economic Conference would very probably include the question of an Imperial Exchange. NEW SOUTH WALES PUBLIC SERVICE SALARIES TO BE PAID. SYDNEY, January 6. (Received January 6, at H a.m.) It is officially announced that there will be sufficient funds in the State Treasury on Thursday to meet public servants’ salaries.

DR EARLE PAGE'S STATEMENT CHALLENGED

SYDNEY, January 6. (Received January 6, at 11 a.m.)

Mr W. Chapman, campaign manager for Dr Earle Page’s committee at Taree, writes a letter to the editor of the ‘ Herald ’ protesting against Dr Page’s statement that the Federal Ministry might be short-lived. He demands of Dr Page to explain what Mr Lyons had done to have a threat hurled at him. Senator R. Elliott (Country Party), while refusing to common on Dr Page’s statement, declared at Melbourne that the policy of the Country Party would be to help the Government in everything directed towards the stabilisation and building up of industry. The Ministers-elect will be sworn in at Canberra to-day. THE SENATE ELECTION MELBOURNE, January 6. (Received January 6, at 11 a.m.) Senator Plain has been re-elected to the third position in the Senate.