RIGHT OF GOVERNORS

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 July 1931, Page 5

RIGHT OF GOVERNORS

DOWNING STREET'S POLICY “TRUST MAN ON THE SPOT’’ [BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN.—COPYRIGHT.] (Recd. July 9, noon.) LONDON, July S. Negotiations between Messrs Willis and Thomas in reference to Sir Phillip Game’s position are still proceeding, but it is fairly safe to assume that Mr Willis did not know Mr Thomas intended launching out so strongly at Mr Campion’s luncheon, because, though included in the list of guests, he attended a prior engagement. Mr Thomas left no doubt about the destination of his words because at the conclusion of the passage, referring to Governors, he turned to the Press table and said: “These remarks are intended for a wider sphere than London."

T hough he did not mention Sir P. Game by name, Mr Thomas at the luncheon said: I doubt whether sufficient appreciation is given those who accept governorships. They often make sacrifices to maintain the dignity of the position. I have always realised that no Secretary of State sitting in Downing Street should assume that. he is a better judge of the situation than the man on the spot. It is the duty of the Secretary of State to (rust, him in every way. and see that, even in difficult times, no selfish section of the community or misguided criticism, prevents the Secretary of State realising his responsibility to the man he appoints to a difficult position.

COUNCIL SUPPORTS GOVERNOR

SYDNEY, July S

There was a dramatic countermove made in the Legislative Council this evening, when Hon. F. S. Boyes obtained leave to move a motion endorsing the Council’s rejection of the Government’s Emergency Income Tax Bill, and affirming the Council was protecting the people of New South Wales against an abuse of power by its reject’on of this and other measures not approved by its electors.

Tho motion added that, “under a bicameral constitution it is the right and duty of the Governor to exercise iiis discretion when asked to make appointments to the Legislative Council; and that. a. message to this effect, be transmitted to the Secretary of State for the Dominions." LATER. Mr. Boyce’s motion was carried by 33 to 16 votes, several Labour nominees crossing the floor to vote against the Government.

SIR P. GAME’S REPLY.

SYDNEY, July 8

Regarding the Executive Council’s meeting, it is disclosed that, the State Governor told Premier Lang that, ho was exercising his discretionary powers in refusing to sanction more appointments to the Legislative Council, and that he would now await a reply from tho Dominions Office.

It is highly likely tliat two eminent barristers will be sent from Australia to argue the case for the retention of the New South Wales. Legislative Council when the appeal arises in the Privy Council, probably in November, it is fell, that their local knowledge of the whole circumstances will be of great assistance.