New Guard Attempt

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1932, Page 5

New Guard Attempt

TO OUST LANG BY OVERSEA INTERVENTION. (Aus. « N.Z. Cable Assn.) SYDNEY, March 12. Members of the New Guard, presented to the Governor, Sir Philip Game, a petition to be forwarded to the King "praying that action be taken to dissovle the New South Wales Parliament. The main feature of the statement was the offer to abandon the New Guard’s physical organisation immediately the dissolution was granted. The petition prays that his Majesty may cause the dissolution of the Assembly of New South Wales so that the electors may decide the question of dealing with disloyalists and Com-

munists. It is alleged that the Pre mier. responsible Ministers and certain members of the Assembly have protected Communists and failed to deal with flagrant sedition; that the Gov eminent has repudiated its just debts. :md that the Parliament has enacted legislation to which a vast minority of the electors have the greatest objection.

Upwards of 500,000 signatures were received for the petition.

The procession of New Guardsmen, had originally been planned to pre cede the visit to Government House, but it was abandoned, obtensibly on the ground that a number of member.', were unable to leave their work. TwerNew Guardsmen, wearing their official arm bands, marched in fours to Government House, but only twelve were allowed to enter, including the leader. Colonel Eric Campbell. A larg« gathering of the public waited aboiu the gates in idle curiosity, but there was no disorder of any kind.

Colonel Campbell sought to preface the presentation of the petition with a few comments. but his Excellency politely said: ”It would be better to read the petition first.” Colonel Campbell acquiesced, after which his Excellency remarked: “t am < suite ready to "forward the petition to his Majesty, but as far as I can ascertain I do not think it is my duty to forward the accompanying comments, nor do I think it wise to enter into any further explanation or discussion. ’ ’ Colonel Campbell: “If your Excellency pleases, I shall hand you a typewritten statements of my comments.’ Sir Philip: Do you wish it sent to his Majesty!” Colonel Campbell: “I do. ” The Governor then said: “I shell have to investigate my position be fore doing so. ’ ’ The petition and the statement were then handed to the Governor.