NEW SOUTH WALES CRISIS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 20 February 1931, Page 9

NEW SOUTH WALES CRISIS

LATE EDITION

TALK OF CIVIL WAR GRAVE FEARS VOICED REPUDIATION POLICY.

(United Prejft Association— By Electric Telegrapi Copyright.! Received 2 p.m. to-day. K SYDNEY, Feb. 20. The “Sydney Morning Herald,”, implying to Mr Laim editorially, says thw® is nothing in the artiele coanphuned ot which could ho interpreted as inciting civil war, hut it is true that cmluai, as a possibility arising out ot M 1 Lang’s policy of repudiation and implied secession, is in the' minds' o many thoughtful people who fear theie is a serious risk thereof at the present Labour Government drives the majoiity of the population of New uouth AYales to despiration. . “Just as a collision may be inevitable on a railway through ebsregardino- signals, so the trend of Mr Lang s P'oTicv is moving people to the expression "of alarm and definite discussions arising out of anxiety,” continues the “Morning Herald.” “This is a fact, and we do not need to include m the comment extremists in rival camps who would welcome trouble for opportunities personal aggi‘ai 1 cliseme n t aiK* makm<i political capital. At the moment it is enough to say that fear of _ giave trouble is in the men’s minds because secession in history has been a fruitful cause of domestic conflict. << Wc i refuse to believe "the worst ay illhappen if the best elements get together and work harmoniously for tlie State. Brazen promises unfulfilled and never intended to be fulfilled have led us, into the slough of despond in which we aie struggling. Reaction thereto' promises safety, not in civil war, but in wholehearted co-operation to make Mr Lang scontinued tenure, of office impossible.

NEW STATE MOVEMENT. CONST I TUT lON AL- ACTION. Received 1.30 p.m. to-day. SYDNEY, Feb. 20. The new State movement in Northern New South Wales is spreading rapidly. Jn the districts affected advocates stress the fact that no unconstitutional action is contemplated and that public feeling will be thoroughly tested by referendum or petition to the Federal Parliament. If tlie'fjatter does not act an appeal will be made to the British Government on the grounds of misgovernment. The New Souta Wales Riverina is also in a feriJent and indignation is cx. pressed at Mr Lang’s repudiation suggestions. The district is likely to cooperate in the northern new State agitation.

OPINIONS FROM QUEENSLAND. LANG PROPOSALS CONDEMNED. Received 1.30 p.m. to-day. S/’DNEY, Feb. 20. Mr Godfrey Morgan, the Queensland Minister of Railways, interviewed at Sydney, said there was a growing feeling in the north in favour of secession from the Federation. “We are watching the position closely, ” he continued, ‘and it would appear that, if Mr Lang’s financial scheme were given effect we would be bettor off on our own.

‘'‘'The question of secession has been freely discussed by the Queensland 'Cabinet and though no decision has been reached the constitutional position, in the event of secession, is being investigated. Queensland, as a State, is strenuously opposed to any scheme of repudiation of debts. It is the only State that attempted to carry out Sir Otto Xiemeyer’s recommendations and though the Budget might not be actually balanced this year, Queensland finances are certainly in a better position than those of some of the sister States. If Mr Lang’s proposals are carried the sooner we will get out the better. We will not have Queensland reduced in the eyes of the world. ’’